Modeling and Design of Container Terminal Operations

59 Pages Posted: 23 Jun 2014

See all articles by Debjit Roy

Debjit Roy

Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad

M. B. M. de Koster

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management

Date Written: June 23, 2014

Abstract

Design of container terminal operations is complex because multiple factors affect the operational performance. These factors include: topological constraints, a large number of design parameters and settings, and stochastic interactions that interplay among the quayside, vehicle transport, and stackside processes. In this research, we propose new integrated queuing network models for rapid design evaluation of container terminals with Automated Lift Vehicles (ALVs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). These models offer the flexibility to analyze alternate design variations and develop insights. For instance, the effect of alternate vehicle dwell point policy is analyzed using state-dependent queues, whereas the efficient terminal layout is determined using variation in the service time expressions at the stations. Further, using embedded Markov chain analysis, we develop an approximate procedure for analyzing bulk container arrivals. These models form the building block 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.

Keywords: container terminal, intra-terminal transport, design decisions, queuing models

Suggested Citation

Roy, Debjit and de Koster, M.B.M. René, Modeling and Design of Container Terminal Operations (June 23, 2014). ERIM Report Series Reference No. ERS-2014-008-LIS, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2458048 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2458048

Debjit Roy (Contact Author)

Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad ( email )

Vastrapur
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380 015
India

M.B.M. René De Koster

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Department of Technology and Operations Management ( email )

RSM Erasmus University
PO Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands
+31 10 408 1719 (Phone)
+31 10 408 9014 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.rsm.nl/rdekoster

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