Vessel Size and Dredging Depth Optimization for Tol Laut Program using Genetic Algorithm: Hub Port Case Study

Abstract

Tol Laut is an Indonesian government containerized sea freight program which is aimed at reducing the price disparity, as well as extending logistic distribution from developing regions. The program can be enhanced by determining the optimum dredging depth of port navigation channel and the optimum size of vessel. The required channel depth is affected by the size of vessel, which is represented by its draft, on the respected hub port. The significance of vessel size and dredging depth in accommodating the container demand will be evaluated by considering the physical environmental conditions such as surface water elevation which affected by tidal conditions. Genetic Algorithm is utilized in this study since it showed robust results on optimizing port performances problems that have many dependent variables and solutions. As a hub port within Tol Laut Program, Port of Belawan is selected as a case study due to its strategic location. Several demand scenarios were run using the algorithm, resulting several channel depth-vessel size pairs as the solution. In conclusion, the feasibility of the dredging activity relies significantly on the growth of the demand.