A Fuzzy Logic Model for the Container Stacking Problem at Container Terminals

Abstract

We address the problem of storage space allocation in a sea port terminal. The problem consists of assigning a block space in the yard of a container terminal to every incoming container while ensuring operational efficiency. The proposed framework uses a 2-stage framework in combination with a fuzzy logic rule-based strategy. The concept is motivated by the problem faced by container terminals in Chile and the aim is to provide real-time decision support to deal with a high degree of uncertainty in the arrival of containers at the yard. In addition, the framework provides a more flexible design to include a set of different criteria as well as different infrastructures and layouts of container ports. Numerical results are presented, comparing the results of the fuzzy framework with respect to algorithms proposed in the literature, considering different scenarios.

A Fuzzy Logic-Based Algorithm to Solve the Slot Planning Problem in Container Vessels

“…Fuzzy Logic can be considered a rule-based approach [48]. It is composed of fuzzy sets; the elements in any fuzzy set take a different degree of membership (weights) within an interval [0, 1], called the membership functions.…”

“…Fuzzy logic was also used in container stacking problems. Ries et al [48] addressed the storage space allocation problem in port. The problem consisted of a 2-phase framework with a fuzzy logic system to first assign an exact position within a block space in the yard of a port to every incoming container, ensuring operational efficiency.…”

A Constrained Fuzzy Knowledge-Based System for the Management of Container Yard Operations

“…So, in this section, the existing approaches for container storage problems when the departure time of the container is unknown are reviewed. A fuzzy logic model taking into consideration a set of criteria such as the distance of the block to the gate, the block utilisation, the stack height, and the difference in the estimated time for dispatching the container was developed [7]. The developed container stacking model aimed at reducing the relocation ratio of containers with random departure times Another researcher [8], discussed ordered stacking and random stacking strategies for the slot assignment of containers in both single and twin storage areas with unknown departure time for the containers.…”

A Heuristic Procedure for the Outbound Container Relocation Problem during Export Loading Operations

“…Ries et al [21] address the storage space allocation problem and the block relocation problem in two-stage framework in combination with a fuzzy logic rule-based strategy. The framework proposed has the aim of providing real-time decision support to deal with the uncertain arrival sequence of containers to the yard that is operated with RTGs.…”

“…The framework proposed has the aim of providing real-time decision support to deal with the uncertain arrival sequence of containers to the yard that is operated with RTGs. In contrast with the paper of Ries et al [21], where the authors propose a fuzzy logic rule, we propose a heuristic approach to solve the problem. Another difference is the employment of reachstacker vehicles to handle containers in the heuristic presented herein.…”