Ship Traffic Optimization for the Kiel Canal

Abstract

We introduce, discuss, and solve a hard practical optimization problem which we call the ship traffic control problem (STCP). Since we plan bi-directional traffic, STCP relates to, and in fact generalizes train timetabling on single-track networks. The objective of finding quickest routes motivates the integration of recent algorithmic ideas from dynamic collision-free routing of automated guided vehicles. We offer a unified view of routing and scheduling which blends simultaneous (global) and sequential (local) solution approaches to allot scarce network resources to a fleet of vehicles in a collision-free manner. This leads us to construct a fast online heuristic. The STCP originates from the Kiel Canal which is the basis for the trade between the countries of the baltic area and the rest of the world. As traffic is projected to significantly increase, the canal is planned to be enlarged in a billion Euro project. Our work forms the mathematical and algorithmic basis for a tool to evaluate the different enlargement options. In view of computational experiments on real traffic data expert planners approved that our combinatorial algorithm is well-suited for this decision support. With the help of instance-dependent lower bounds we assess the quality of our solutions which significantly improves upon manual plans. We are confident that our ideas can be extended to other application areas like train timetabling and collision-free routing, also in more general networks.

Algorithms for Smooth, Safe and Quick Routing on Sensor-Equipped Grid Networks

“…The Conflict Based Search proposed in [31], and further enhanced in [32], explores a constraint tree whose nodes are evaluated through nominal shortest routes and, in case of collisions, branches are generated corresponding to alternative vehicle priorities. For the solution of a real ship traffic optimization problem, the authors of [33] integrate the dynamic collisionfree routing algorithm proposed in [24] into a local search scheme that explores the space of possible alternative scheduling decisions related to precedence conflicts between ships that compete for traversing a waterway with limited capacity and equipped with sidings to allow ships stopping and passing each other, according to the chosen precedence strategy.…”

Vessel Scheduling Optimization Model Based on Variable Speed in a Seaport with One-Way Navigation Channel

“…Günther, E. et al [ 1 , 2 ] designed a successive shortest path algorithm respecting blocked time windows to solve the optimization problem of ship traffic control at the Kiel Canal by constructing conflict-free dynamic routes for the ships one after another. Lübbecke, E. et al [ 3 ] further integrate two algorithms that address collision avoidance to solve the combinatorial optimization problem of ship traffic control at the Kiel Canal: one is train scheduling on a single-track railway network and the other is collision-free routing for automated guided vehicles. Moreover, a fast heuristic was developed which can make the average time consumed be less than two minutes to plan all ships for one day.…”

“…Moreover, a fast heuristic was developed which can make the average time consumed be less than two minutes to plan all ships for one day. Meisel, F. [ 4 ] and Skjæveland, G. [ 5 ] extended the MIP model of Lübbecke, E. et al [ 3 ] by deciding speeds of vessels rather than assuming constant given speeds. Andersen, T. et al [ 6 ] further extended the previous works on traffic control of the Kiel Canal considering the uncertainty characteristic of the time of arrival at the entrance to the canal.…”

Fuzzy Expert System for Adaptive Vessel Traffic Control on One-Way Section on Navigable Canal

“…With increase of vessels' size and vessel traffic density, a natural need for the waterway capacity analysis, increased navigation safety or the reduction of the risk of an accident has appeared [3]. The logical solution is to establish active positioning, monitoring, assessment, decision making, notification and management of vessel traffic in areas of restricted navigation.…”