Efficient Stacking Algorithm to Reduce Energy Consumption and Enhance Productivity in Semiautomated Container Terminals

This paper focuses on the location assignment problem for a semi-automated container terminal operated by non-crossable ASCs, in order to achieve effective yard crane performance. A stacking algorithm is proposed taking both energy expenditure and ASC productivity into account in order to determine the best block slot in which to locate the arriving containers. The problem considers an isolated terminal block from an import/export terminal, assuming that the block assignment problem has already been solved and therefore only the stack and slot for the container need to be determined. Detailed individual movements and the weight of the container and the crane’s moving parts are utilized to evaluate energy consumption. Several other stacking algorithms, including one from a real terminal, are evaluated by a discrete event simulation model. Results indicate that the proposed algorithm can achieve greater ASC productivity and improved efficiency than standard benchmarking algorithms.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AT050 Standing Committee on Intermodal Freight Terminal Design and Operations.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Martín, Enrique
  • Terán, Pablo
  • Morales-Fusco, Pau
  • Saurí, Sergi
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2016-1-10 to 2016-1-14
• Date: 2016

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: TRB 95th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Container handling; Container terminals; Energy consumption; Gantry cranes; Location; Productivity
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01590732
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 16-6869
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 22 2016 1:15PM