A decision support system for quayside operations in a container terminal

a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Quayside operations Berth allocation Crane scheduling Container terminal operations This paper proposes a decision support system for optimizing operations on the quayside of a container terminal. Due to the existence of multiple parties involved in the decision making processes within port operations, it is essential to pay attention to each parties' concerns and demands which by nature are frequently conflicting with each other. This calls for a DSS that offers the flexibility of adjusting the balance within conflicting objectives, guiding the decision maker towards the final decision. Consequently, this study provides a DSS that determines the berthing and crane allocations simultaneously. To show the practical application of the DSS presented, a real life case study at a container terminal has been conducted. Implementation of the model shows that improvements ranging from 10% to 25% on service time and costs can be attained. The prolonged economic recession together with weak economic growth is leading container terminals to follow a cautious approach when serving their customers. Before the economic crisis, where more optimistic figures were prospected, concentrating on satisfying these customers to the highest level has been the more focused approach to gain share in the market. Nowadays, the necessity for considering cost issues while providing quality service to the customers has increased. The decisions for operations within the terminal depend on the balance of influence between terminal operators and shipping companies. From the terminal operator's perspective operating for high productivity and container throughput at low costs is a critical element to stay competitive. However, from the shipping companies' perspective low turnaround time and reliability regarding adherence to promised handling times are more critical elements. Hence, there are different views existing between the parties involved at the container terminals [24,29]. With shipping companies on one side and terminal operators on the other, each having its own concerns and demands and which by nature are frequently conflicting with each other, the decision makers call for supporting instruments that help them to attain a balance among those differing intentions. Yet, recent literature on quayside operations within a container terminal does not provide adequate support to resolve the issue via practical considerations. Subsequently, this study attempts to provide a decision support tool that determines the berthing and crane allocations simultaneously under multiple objectives. At a container terminal, vessels are docked on a berth …