Optimizing storage location assignment in an automotive Ro-Ro terminal

Automotive roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) transportation is an efficient and competitive method for the large-scale transshipment of commercial cars. However, low-efficiency operations insufficient storage resources automotive Ro-Ro terminals have constrained development transportation. This paper investigates location assignment problem (SLAP) arrival cars at yard, it aims to improve ship-loading efficiency contribute terminals. Two deadlock situations resulting from blocked routes are analyzed in detail. Based on ship stowage plan, a car group concept proposed reflect loading sequence into ship. The dispersion degree defined describe centralized layout every yard. A linear 0-1 integer programming model formulated minimize total degrees all groups. Furthermore, indicator called attraction presented quantify preferred each storing different groups hierarchical two-stage exchange strategy (HTSES) designed obtain with minimum degree. To reduce scale solved problem, rolling-horizon heuristic approach based closed-loop (positive negative) feedback proposed. Positive guidance mechanism describes provided by existing arriving cars, while negative reformulation represents influence layout. series numerical experiments show that can effectively produce satisfactory plan management