Optimizing operations at container terminals

Many container terminals strive to optimize their resource usage via better planning and distribution of them in space and time. Optimization was already very much in demand during busy times last years - and it has even more priority now, when economical crisis is affecting volumes terminals are dealing with.

However, due to the natural complexity of the planning at container terminals, solving optimization task is a challenge even with modern hardware and sophisticated algorithms. You have to consider at the same time berthing, human resources, different equipment types on the yard and on sea side, their dependencies, used assignment practices, and so on. Perhaps, difficulty is the reason why many IT providers do not look into this area. But not ARL Consulting.

Last year we solved complex vessel berthing optimization problem. The next step for ARL was to optimize RTG deployments. We aimed to optimize the number of RTGs in use, to make streamlined RTG work order distribution faster, and to provide instant RTG dispatching. And we succeeded – now we offer you solutions for automated RTG planning and dispatching based on actual demands of operational planning.

ARL has created an optimization algorithm suitable for container terminals with medium to high volume of RTGs, varying need for yard equipment, and high load of moves. To guarantee minimal number of RTGs and minimal overall mileage we selected Hungarian algorithm as the basis for optimal work orders distribution between RTGs. This algorithm among other factors takes into account time required for RTG dispatching using yard geometry and driving rules (including time required for wheels turning) and uses RTG and containers data TOS provides.

ARL solutions for RTG management answer in real time the following questions:

  • How many RTGs you have to deploy to move containers on time?
  • Where and when to place each RTG to minimize driving distances and maximize moves per unit?

ARL is piloting the algorithm in 2009.
See more information in ARL RTG Calculator&Dispatcher flier.

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Published by ARL Consulting

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Selected solutions





More solutions coming soon, amongst others for forwarders, terminals and transport providers.

About ARL Consulting

ARL Consulting, a Rotterdam headquartered IT developer with insight in the shipping & transport industry, adds value to the supply chain from its Siberian IT centre. Solutions are hosted on the arl-shipping.com portal, provided on license terms, or exclusively built on consulting terms to transportation companies on the sea, road, rail or inland waters, to ship managers, terminals, cargo facilities, agents, forwarders and NVOs.

Areas of expertise include vessel chartering, scheduling & deployment, capacity management, equipment distribution, reefer monitoring, environmental, security and C-TPAT support, customer relationship management, freight quote, booking, documentation and yield management. For terminals and yards, berth, crane, resource planning and inventory management. For forwarders, NVOs and cargo facility operators, interaction with shippers, consignees and shipping lines, standard operating procedures (SOP), and cargo consolidation support.

EDI/ ebXML and technical integration experience with leading technologies.