Improvement of Container Dynamic Allocation for Automated Container Terminals in the Post-Epidemic Era

Abstract

The significant congestion during the COVID-19 epidemic has prompted terminal managers to prioritize efforts to enhance daily operational efficiency in the post-epidemic era. In direct response to these priorities, this study develops a dynamic stack-based yard space allocation model tailored to optimize daily yard space allocation in automated container terminals. The model is based on a predeveloped yard template and considers the influence of shipping schedule fluctuations. Its primary objectives are to minimize truck movements and achieve a balanced block distribution, thereby providing theoretical support for real-time container drop-off during terminal shipping schedule fluctuations and dynamic variations in container operation flow. Through extensive experimentation, this study analyzes multiple scenarios in real automated terminal yard space management. The findings indicate that, because of bay space expansion and operational process changes, the allocation of automated terminal yard space is better suited to the stack-based processing mode. In the stack-based mode, the higher operational efficiency of automated rail-mounted gantries can help terminals achieve better dynamic allocation balances with lower energy consumption.