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Modeling and Design of Container Terminal Operations

Author

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  • Debjit Roy

    (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, 380015 India; Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, Netherlands)

  • René De Koster

    (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, Netherlands)

  • René Bekker

    (Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Abstract

The design of container terminal operations is complex because multiple factors affect operational performance. These factors include numerous choices for handling technology, terminal topology, and design parameters and stochastic interactions between the quayside, stackside, and vehicle transport processes. In this research, we propose new integrated queuing network models for rapid design evaluation of container terminals with automated lift vehicles and automated guided vehicles. These models offer the flexibility to analyze alternate design variations and develop insights. For instance, the effect of different vehicle dwell point policies is analyzed using state-dependent queues, whereas the efficient terminal layout is determined using variation in the service time expressions at the stations. We show the relation among the dwell point–dependent waiting times and also show their asymptotic equivalence at heavy traffic conditions. These models form the building blocks for design and analysis of large-scale terminal operations. We test the model efficacy using detailed in-house simulation experiments and real-terminal validation by partnering with an external party.

Suggested Citation

  • Debjit Roy & René De Koster & René Bekker, 2020. "Modeling and Design of Container Terminal Operations," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 68(3), pages 686-715, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:68:y:2020:i:3:p:686-715
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.2019.1920
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Xiaoju Zhang & Huijuan Li & Meng Wu, 2022. "Optimization of Resource Allocation in Automated Container Terminals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-16, December.
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    5. Kenneth Løvold Rødseth & Rasmus Bøgh Holmen & Timo Kuosmanen & Halvor Schøyen, 2023. "Market access and seaport efficiency: the case of container handling in Norway," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-25, December.
    6. Zhen, Lu & Zhuge, Dan & Wang, Shuaian & Wang, Kai, 2022. "Integrated berth and yard space allocation under uncertainty," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1-27.
    7. Rodrigues, Filipe & Agra, Agostinho, 2022. "Berth allocation and quay crane assignment/scheduling problem under uncertainty: A survey," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 303(2), pages 501-524.
    8. Roy, Debjit & van Ommeren, Jan-Kees & de Koster, René & Gharehgozli, Amir, 2022. "Modeling landside container terminal queues: Exact analysis and approximations," Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 73-102.
    9. Li, Xinyan & Xie, Chi & Bao, Zhaoyao, 2022. "A multimodal multicommodity network equilibrium model with service capacity and bottleneck congestion for China-Europe containerized freight flows," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).

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