The berth allocation problem with mobile quay walls: problem definition,solution procedures,and extensions

The berth allocation problem (BAP), which defines a processing interval and a berth at the quay wall for each ship to be (un-)loaded, is an essential decision problem for efficiently operating a container port. In this paper, we integrate mobile quay walls into the BAP. Mobile quay walls are huge propelled floating platforms, which encase ships moored at the immobile quay and provide additional quay cranes for accelerating container processing. Furthermore, additional ships can be processed at the seaside of the platform, so that scarce berthing space at a terminal is enlarged. We formalize the BAP with mobile quay walls and provide suitable solution procedures.     

An enriched model for the integrated berth allocation and quay crane assignment problem

Given the increasing pressure to improve the efficiency of container terminals, a lot of research efforts have been devoted to optimizing container terminal operations. Most papers deal with either the berth allocation problem (BAP) or the (quay) crane assignment problem (CAP). In the literature on the BAP, handling times are often simplified to be berth dependent or proportional to vessel size, so the CAP can be ignored when scheduling vessels. This is unsatisfactory for real-life applications because the handling time primarily depends on the number of containers to be handled and the number of cranes deployed. Only a limited number of papers deals with the combination of berth allocation and crane assignment. In these papers however, authors often have resorted to algorithmic simplifications that limit the practical use of the models. This paper presents a MILP model for the integrated BAP–CAP taking into account vessel priorities, preferred berthing locations and handling time considerations. The model is used in a hybrid heuristic solution procedure that is validated on real-life data illustrating the potential to support operational and tactical decision-making.     

低碳经济下的港口泊位分配模型及其算法实现

航运公司正在进行前所未有的努力以减少船舶的燃油消耗量及碳排放量,而港口所制定的泊位分配计划对于船舶的油耗量和碳排放量有着直接的影响。由于船舶的到港时间是港方制定泊位分配计划的关键参数,因此将船舶到港时间作为决策变量引入传统的泊位分配（BAP）模型中,设计了港口与船方协调调度的新的泊位分配策略--VAT（Variable Arrival Time）策略,同时将船舶油耗和碳排放量融入BAP 模型的目标函数中,建立了船舶油耗量最小和船舶离港延迟时间最短的双目标优化模型。采用多目标遗传算法对该模型进行求解,并用仿真算例验证了该策略的有效性。计算结果表明,VAT策略可以大大削减航运公司的燃油消耗和船舶的碳排放,同时可以提高港口的服务水平,缩短船舶在港等待时间。     

Hybrid rolling-horizon optimization for berth allocation and quay crane assignment with unscheduled vessels

Port operations usually suffer from uncertainties, such as vessels’ arrival time and handling time and unscheduled vessels. To address this, this study presents a dynamic berth allocation and crane assignment specific problem (BACASP) when unscheduled vessels arrive at the port, which is branded the berth allocation and quay crane assignment specific problem with unscheduled vessels (UBACASP). A rolling-horizon based method is proposed to decompose the UBACASP into a multi-stage static decision BACASP, wherein a rescheduling margin-based hybrid rolling-horizon optimization method is developed by incorporating the event-driven and periodical rolling-horizon strategies as the urgency of dynamic events is evaluated. In each rolling horizon, a mixed integer linear programming model (MILP) is presented for the BACASP to minimize the total port stay time of vessels and the penalties of delays associated with the spatial and temporal constraints, such as the length of continuous berth, number of quay cranes (QCs) and non-crossing of QCs. A discretization strategy is designed to divide the continuous berth into discrete segments, and convert the BACASP to a discrete combinatorial optimization problem, which is efficiently solved by the proposed adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm (ALNS). Case studies with different problem characteristics are conducted to prove the effectiveness of the solution methods proposed in this study. Moreover, the performances of the ALNS and the existing methods for solving the BACASP are compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of different rolling strategies under different degrees of uncertainties are deeply analyzed.     

Multi-objective hybrid genetic algorithm for quay crane dynamic assignment in berth allocation planning

The development of containers?? transportation has maintained a high momentum since 1961, especially, the containers?? traffic growth reached 10?C11% in recent years. Container terminals play an important role in the transportation chain, in order to response rapidly for the requirement of modern logistics, better resource allocation, lower cost, and higher operation efficiency are needed. In this paper, we introduce the quay crane dynamic assignment (QCDA) in berth allocation planning problem (BAP) and formulate a multi-objective mathematical model considering each berth for container ship with QCDA and number of Quay Crane??s Move. In order to solve this QCDA in BAP problem, we propose a multi-objective hybrid Genetic Algorithm approach with a priority-based encoding method. To demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed mohGA approach, numerical experiment is carried out and the best solution to the problem is obtained.     

多目标约束处理方法求解泊位岸桥联合分配问题

为了制定合理高效的泊位岸桥联合分配方案,加快船舶周转,本文针对船舶动态到港的连续泊位建立了以船舶总在港时间最短为目标的泊位岸桥联合分配混合整数非线性模型.通过多目标约束处理策略将复杂约束的违反程度转化为另一个目标,从而将原单目标优化模型转化为双目标优化模型,并用基于快速非支配排序的多目标遗传算法(NSGA-II)对其进行求解.同时,针对问题特点,分别设计了基于调整、惩罚函数、可行解优先和综合约束处理策略的单目标遗传算法对原模型进行求解.通过多组不同规模的标准算例对本文的方法进行测试,验证了基于多目标约束处理策略的方法求解效果相较于单目标约束处理策略的方法更加高效和稳定.     

基于蚁群算法的泊位调度优化与仿真

在全球贸易经济聚焦在中国的同时,港口的吞吐能力成为目前港口业的主要矛盾。提高泊位这个环节的运作能力,减少船舶在港时间,增加港口的吞吐能力成为主要研究对象。本文采取仿真模型与优化算法相结合的研究方法,把泊位调度问题转化为旅行商问题,建立了一个泊位岸桥协调调度,通过蚁群算法建立数学模型,使船舶在港时间最短为目标建立函数,求得最佳调度方案。用ProModel建立船舶到港停泊及离港仿真模型。验证泊位调度优化的有效性,以便指导港口实际的泊位调度。     

单向航道下连续泊位分配与船舶调度集成优化

为改善单向航道连续泊位港口的运营效率,研究泊位分配与船舶进出港调度集成优化.考虑潮汐、进出港时段交替与偏好泊位的影响,建立0-1整数线性规划模型,以船舶偏离偏好泊位成本和滞期成本为优化目标,确定各艘船舶的靠泊位置与进出港时刻.针对问题情境和其特有的约束条件,将原数学模型通过Dantzig-Wolfe分解方法分成主问题模...     

桥吊可动态分配的连续泊位分配问题算法

研究在允许桥吊动态分配的情况下集装箱码头的连续泊位动态分配问题,并建立以船舶在港时间最小为目标的动态泊位分配模型;然后基于兄弟-儿子方法对船舶的位置进行调整以规划桥吊使桥吊不交叉。在相同算例下,比现有方法得到的船舶在港时间更少,从而验证了模型及算法的有效性。     

Real-time management of berth allocation with stochastic arrival and handling times

In this research we study the berth allocation problem (BAP) in real time as disruptions occur. In practice, the actual arrival times and handling times of the vessels deviate from their expected or estimated values, which can disrupt the original berthing plan and possibly make it infeasible. We consider a given baseline berthing schedule, and solve the BAP on a rolling planning horizon with the objective to minimize the total realized cost of the updated berthing schedule, as the actual arrival and handling time data is revealed in real time. The uncertainty in the data is modeled by making appropriate assumptions about the probability distributions of the uncertain parameters based on past data. We present an optimization-based recovery algorithm based on set partitioning and a smart greedy algorithm to reassign vessels in the event of disruption. Our research problem derives from the real-world issues faced by the Saqr port, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, where the berthing plans are regularly disrupted owing to a high degree of uncertainty in information. A simulation study is carried out to assess the solution performance and efficiency of the proposed algorithms, in which the baseline schedule is the solution of the deterministic BAP without accounting for any uncertainty. Results indicate that the proposed reactive approaches can significantly reduce the total realized cost of berthing the vessels as compared to the ongoing practice at the port.     

Integrating tactical and operational berth allocation decisions via Simulation–Optimization

The berth allocation problem (BAP) arising in maritime container terminals has received great attention in the literature over recent years. It has been largely modeled as an integer mathematical programming formulation to be adopted at a tactical level, where detailed equipment and manpower schedules, as well as real-time operational conditions are not explicitly modeled. In this paper, decision making for the BAP is supported by integrating two separate models into a Simulation–Optimization framework: a mathematical programming model at the tactical level and a simulation model at the operational level. Specifically, the framework uses a beam search heuristics to obtain a weekly plan at the tactical level, followed by a simulated annealing based search process to adjust allocation decisions at the operational level. At this level, randomness in discharge/loading operations is taken into account and modeled by an event-based Monte Carlo simulator. A non-standard ranking and selection procedure is used to compare alternative BAP solutions, within the Simulation–Optimization procedure, in order to reduce the related number of simulation runs required. Numerical experiments performed on real instances show how, under conditions of uncertainty and variability, the tactical solution returned for the BAP requires tuning at the operational level.     

Clustering Search for the Berth Allocation Problem

This work presents a new approach to the Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) for ships in ports. Due to the increasing demand for ships carrying containers, the BAP can be considered as a major optimization problem in marine terminals. In this paper, the BAP is considered as dynamic and modeled in discrete case and we propose a new alternative to solve it. The proposed alternative is based on applying the Clustering Search (CS) method using the Simulated Annealing (SA) for solutions generation. The CS is an iterative method which divides the search space in clusters and it is composed of a metaheuristic for solutions generation, a grouping process and a local search heuristic. The computational results are compared against recent methods found in the literature.     

Simulation-based investment planning for Humen Port

This paper addresses an investment planning problem for a container terminal in Humen Port using simulation with Arena software. We propose a simulation model considering various types of container ships and cranes, flexible berth allocation and dynamic crane scheduling. We carry out simulation experiments in order to identify a parameter setting that can minimize the total investment cost while maintaining a required service level. The experiment results show that the proposed economic investment plan can reduce the cost compared with the current investment plan.     

基于计算物流与计算智能的多码头泊位堆场联合调度

针对同一地区邻近集装箱码头往往物流功能相似、货源腹地重叠、无序竞争突出和资源利用率较低等特点, 本文重点探讨了隶属于同一组织内且位置相邻多集装箱码头的泊位-堆场一体化计划调度(multiple container terminal tactical berth and yard incorporate integrative scheduling, MCT-TBY-IIS)问题. 基于计算物流, 利用多重多背包问题将MCT-TBY-IIS抽象和分解为考虑泊位水深约束和出口集装箱可转港作业的多码头动态连续泊位分配和多码头周期滚动堆场分配两个中度耦合子问题, 进而在计算物流面向问题探索的思想下, 提出了面向层次嵌套结构的二阶段改进帝国竞争算法(hierarchical nesting oriented two-stage improved imperialist competitive algorithm, HNO-TSI-ICA)对MCT-TBY-IIS进行求解优化. 最后, 面向我国东南沿海的典型多码头联合作业实例, 遴选出面向帝国兴替的双同化帝国竞争改进算法和面向0-1背包问题的二进制帝国竞争算法组合应用于HNO-TSI-ICA, 其在求解MCT-TBY-IIS时效果较好, 且堆场作业子系统目标成本的结构较稳定, 其不受计划期内港口负荷和计划周期长度的影响, 其中, 出口箱区集装箱水平运输成本的贡献度在堆场作业子目标成本的比重最大, 稳定在83%左右. 通过对MCT-TBY-IIS的建模与优化, 可以发现多码头联合作业模式有较好的潜力帮助同一组织内邻近的多码头降本增效和提高核心资源的利用率.     

离散泊位布局下的泊位岸桥动态协调调度

为了制定合理的集装箱码头泊位岸桥资源调度计划,提高码头作业效率和客户满意度,基于离散泊位布局,建立了以在港集装箱船总的服务成本最小为优化目标的动态泊位岸桥协调调度模型。设计了遗传算法对模型求解,通过将部分约束条件嵌入算法结构简化了模型求解难度,并对算法迭代过程中的不可行解采用逐时刻基因调整策略进行修复。经过若干算例的数值实验,验证了模型和算法的可行性和有效性。     

An adaptive large neighborhood search for the discrete and continuous Berth allocation problem

The Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) consists of assigning ships to berthing positions along a quay in a port. The choice of where and when the ships should move is the main decision to be made in this problem. Considering the berthing positions, there are restrictions related to the water depth and the size of the ships among others. There are also restrictions related to the berthing time of the ships which are modeled as time windows. In this work the ships are represented as rectangles to be placed into a space ×time area, avoiding overlaps and satisfying time window constraints. We consider discrete and continuous models for the BAP and we propose an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search heuristic to solve the problem. Computational experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm is capable of generating high-quality solutions and outperforms competing algorithms for the same problem. In most cases the improvements are statistically significant.     

Quay crane and yard truck dual-cycle scheduling with mixed storage strategy

In order to enhance the efficiency of port operations, the scheduling problem of the quay cranes and yard trucks is crucial. Conventional port operation mode lacks optimization research on efficiency of port handling operation, yard truck scheduling, and container storage location. To make quay crane operations and horizontal transportation more efficient, this study uses a dual-cycle strategy to focus on a quay crane and yard truck scheduling problem in conjunction with a mixed storage strategy. A dispatching plan for yard trucks is considered, as well as the storage location of inbound containers. Based on the above factors, a mixed-integer programming model is formulated to minimize vessels’ berth time for completing all tasks. The proposed model is solved using a particle swarm optimization-based algorithm. Validation of the proposed model and algorithm is conducted through numerical experiments. Additionally, some managerial implications which may be potentially useful for port operators are obtained.     

Berth allocation planning in Seville inland port by simulation and optimisation

We study the problems associated with allocating berths for containerships in the port of Seville. It is the only inland port in Spain and it is located on the Guadalquivir River. This paper addresses the berth allocation planning problems using simulation and optimisation with Arena software. We propose a mathematical model and develop a heuristic procedure based on genetic algorithm to solve non-linear problems. Allocation planning aims to minimise the total service time for each ship and considers a first-come-first-served allocation strategy. We conduct a large amount of computational experiments which show that the proposed model improves the current berth management strategy.     

求解动态停泊计划问题的拉格朗日松弛算法

研究钢铁企业原料码头动态停泊计划问题,其动态特征主要体现在原料船动态到达并有两个或两个以上连续泊位且在停泊计划开始执行时每一泊位上仅有部分泊位长度可利用。针对这个问题,建立了一个数学模型并设计了改进拉格朗日算法在很短的时间内求得了近优解。在改进算法中使用了所提出的四个性质来分别加速求解子问题、乘子更新和获得可行解的过程。通过包含50个实际规模问题的算法性能实验表明改进的拉格朗日松弛算法相比未改进算法减少了80%的运行时间。     

A bi-objective model for robust berth allocation scheduling

Berth allocation is an important port operation problem for container terminals. This paper studies how to develop a robust schedule for berth allocation that incorporates a degree of anticipation of uncertainty (e.g., vessels’ arrival time and operation time) during the schedule’s execution. This study proposes a bi-objective optimization model for minimizing cost and maximizing robustness of schedules. A heuristic is also developed for solving the bi-objective model in large-scale problem cases. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model and method. Managerial implications are also discussed.