Study on berth planning problem in a container seaport: Using an integrated programming approach

This paper provides an integrated solution for two common processes in a container seaport: namely, the Berth Allocation Process (BAP) and the Crane Scheduling Process (QCSP). These are formulated through a Bi-Level Programming (BLP) approach, which is used to characterize the highly interrelated relationships between the two processes and simultaneously, identify an integrated solution for both. The upper-level problem (BAP) is termed ‘NP-hard’ as its computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of incoming ships for mooring, while the lower-level problem (QCSP) is a mixed-integer linear program. A revised genetic algorithm and a branch-and-bound method (B&B) are then applied for the solutions of upper and lower level problems, respectively.

► Develop an integrated mathematical model and solution algorithm to optimize the berth and quay crane scheduling processes. ► Perform a numerical example and illustrate the feasibility and applicability of the proposed methodology. ► Better berth utilization and quicker vessel turn-around time could be achieved by the proposed methodology.