Container Port Operations Logistics Resource Allocation

In the last few years we have seen the breakdown of many trade barriers and the globalization of the trade. These developments have increased the importance of logistics and transportation, and in particular the importance of marine transportation systems. These systems include a network of terminals around globe that allow manufactures and shippers to deliver goods quickly to their customers. These terminals serve as hubs for the transshipment of containers from ship to ship or to other modes of transportations. To cope with increased traffic demands and with decreasing profit margins the terminal operators need to improve the resource allocation, to reduce operation costs, thereby to increase the efficiency of terminal operational logistics.This thesis, applying the concept of logistics, deals with the resource allocation of container terminal operational logistics, and studies its theories and solutions.Firstly, the resource allocation of container terminal operational logistics, divided into berth allocation and handling resource allocation, is studied in a systematic way that is integrated with logistics concept.Secondly, a dynamic berth allocation model is presented, and the GA based heuristic algorithm as well as the analysis of its performance are given. The model is established on the basis of the whole terminal and its calling vessels.Thirdly, the handling resource allocation model based on network design and the corresponding programming model are established. The approach currently adopted by most terminal managers splits the handling resource allocation problem by treating each ship as an independent entity, and there is no cooperation among different ship planners. This thesis proposes a methodological approach (Chapter 4) to solve the problem which still considers the interactions among the ship planners and all kinds of resources.Finally, a case is given to show the application of the theory and methods into the Second Branch of Shanghai Waigaoqiao container terminal. The thesis analyzes the optimal berth allocation and handling resource allocation of the Second Branch of Shanghai Waigaoqiao container terminal. Some conclusions and suggestions are also proposed for the resource allocation of its operational logistics.This thesis, applying the concept of logistics, capitalizes on the optimization technology and the network flow theory as well as methodologies like Genetic Algorithm to study the resource allocation problem of container terminal operational logistics. It provides some valuable suggestions for the container terminals.