Container Transfer Logistics at Multimodal Container Terminals

Collaborators

Supported by Brisbane Port Corporation

(pdf 625kB)

Brief

Problem
Today's multi-modal container terminal (MMCT) systems are very complex and consequently require large amounts of computation time for sequencing and scheduling of containers. The containers must be stored in a manner so as to minimise the amount of handling needed to place a container in the storage area and to remove it when needed. Therefore, the problem being investigated is to minimise the total throughput time, which is the handling time for all the containers from ships at berth and the transferring time of the containers to the MMCT. If dealing with export containers the problem is reversed. The following major activities in the MMCT are considered in this research: the re-sequencing and balancing of the multi-stage container transfer process; operating strategies; physical layout; and storage processes.

Solution Approach
The problem is modeled by binary integer programming technique in a “Time Window” and solved by metaheuristic techniques.

Product
International journal and conference papers

Significance
The model can be used to analyse and balance the container transfer process; save costs and improve performance; improve efficiency of the storage area and container transfer system.