Optimization Models for Seaport Operations and Empty Container Management

Abstract

This thesis aims to study and discover the main daily functional operations and sub-operations at typical container terminals, the terminal equipment deployed, container vessels and containerships, types of terminals, seaport logistics, seaport management, seaport performance and efficiency, and to present most of the problems that arise in the seaside and landside of terminals. It focuses on how reverse logistics can improve the management of returnable containers, and how to determine the optimum number of returnable containers. It also focuses on how to address empty container repositioning problems in maritime transportation, and how to optimize empty container movements among seaports and depots. Also, it focuses on how to optimize voyage routes for the containerships and vessels to transfer empty containers on shipping service networks. It aims to find the optimal service level, with optimal efficiency and service conditions, for the container stacking process in a seaport container terminal under the impact of synchronization and the sequence of daily operations and activities between the seaside and landside of terminals. It also investigates the problem of assignment of suitable berths to incoming vessels under different scenarios of berthing policy and priorities to discharge vessel.