Container Handling in Automated Yard Blocks : An Integrative Approach Based on Time Information (1st ed. 2019)

The yard block of a container terminal is the central point of synchronisation for asynchronous container flows between deep-sea vessels and transport to the hinterland.

The structure of the block stipulates that containers are stacked on top of each other with only the topmost container directly accessible by a yard crane.

This book describes a holistic and integrative approach to container handling in yard blocks to optimise productivity by minimising re-handling operations.

The results provide insights for academic scholars as well as for experts from practical terminal planning and operations.

The approach presented is two-fold: first, a theoretical foundation of the interdependencies in decision-making is established using mathematical programming.

Secondly, operations involving uncertain container arrival information are examined on the basis of a simulation with a rigorous experimental design and statistical evaluation.

In this context, the book develops container-handling strategies and analyses the impact of a system for vehicle arrival management – the "Terminal Appointment System".

The findings presented in this book are the result of a close cooperation with experts at the port of Hamburg and build on previous research.