An Exact Algorithm for the Integrated Planning of Berth Allocation and Quay Crane Assignment

In this paper the authors study the simultaneous optimization of berth allocation and quay crane assignment in seaport container terminals. The authors propose a model based on an exponential number of variables that is solved via column generation. An exact branch and price algorithm is implemented to produce optimal integer solutions to the problem. In particular, the authors present several accelerating techniques for the master and the pricing problem that can be generalized to other branch and price schemes. Computational results show that the proposed approach outperforms commercial solvers. Furthermore, the developed algorithm allows for a comparative analysis between the hierarchical and the integrated solution approach that confirms the added value of integration in terms of cost reduction and efficient use of resources. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first exact branch and price algorithm for both the berth allocation problem and the berth allocation problem with quay crane assignment.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.1120.0428
• Record URL:
  http://transci.journal.informs.org/content/47/2/148.abstract
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1767714
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstracts reprinted with permission of INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, http://www.informs.org).
• Authors:
  • Vacca, Ilaria
  • Salani, Matteo
  • Bierlaire, Michel
• Publication Date: 2013-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 148-161
• Serial:
  • Transportation Science
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS)
  • ISSN: 0041-1655
  • Serial URL: http://transci.journal.informs.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Berth utilization; Branch and bound algorithms; Container terminals; Cranes; Optimization; Port operations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Column generation (Mathematics)
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01482796
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 3 2013 9:20AM