Receding–horizon optimal control for container transfer in intermodal terminals

A major feature of intermodal transportation systems is the presence of large container terminals, where loading and unloading of containers are split in different tasks that depend on carrier categories, cargo types and service requirements. The efficiency of a terminal is influenced by the ability to manage the various transfer tasks done by means of quay cranes, transfer cranes, trucks and so on. The terminal resources and their utilizations can be suitably modelled and optimized to improve the overall system productivity. In this context, two main research issues arise, relevant to the definition of suitable models for terminal operations and to the use of such models to find a decision strategy for controlling container transfers inside the terminals.