Conference Agenda

Purpose: Container terminals face intense competition, with handling costs and processing times directly influencing their competitiveness. Ship-to-shore (STS) cranes play a pivotal role in container terminal operations, responsible for handling containers between quay and vessels. Therefore, the productivity of STS cranes is a critical performance metric. Idle time in STS crane operations results in productivity losses across the entire terminal system. Common port operating systems include STS cranes and terminal trucks (TT) working in tandem, with TT responsible for horizontal transport between the STS cranes and yard. The interaction between STS crane productivity and TT availability presents a significant operational challenge: insufficient TT leads to STS crane idle time and reduced productivity, whereas a surplus of TT results in TT idle time and inefficiencies. This research addresses this operational objective conflict through the application of logistics operating curves (LOC).

Methodology: The study begins by identifying relevant influencing, control, and target variables. The researchers then establish a discrete-event simulation (DES) using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation 2201 to generate output crucial for parametrizing the LOC. They propose a comprehensive framework that encompasses the relationships between inputs, outputs, the simulation model and the LOC. Additionally, they provide a schematic structure of the simulation, detailing the key functionalities implementing the handling processes in the model.

Findings: The expected results demonstrate that employing the DES model to accurately simulate the unloading process of a container ship using STS cranes and multiple TT is a viable method for constructing the LOC. The output data from the simulation allows the parametrization of the LOC for STS crane productivity relative to the number of TT. This operating curve highlights the trade-off and provides insights into optimizing the balance between STS crane and TT productivity.

Originality: This research contributes to literature on maritime logistics especially container terminal operations by addressing the operational conflict through the application of LOC. A method originally developed for production logistics, now adapted to maritime logistics. The proposed simulation model effectively captures the dynamics of STS crane operations. The framework and schematic structure detailed in this work provide a structured approach to developing and implementing the simulation model. The application of LOC can guide port operators in making data-driven decisions to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. Future research should refine these models and explore their applicability across diverse port environments to validate their effectiveness and generalizability.

The growing demand of global trade has evolved logistic operations at ports to adopt high-tech equipment’s with intelligent and automated moves. Although the application of automation technology has increased the productivity, but evidence has been found where in some cases automated machines had led to potential loss due to inefficient terminal design decisions ^[1].

The project’s goal is to investigate the operational aspects of single and double trolley ship to shore (STS) container cranes, and evaluate their performances based on a hypothetical automated terminal design concept. The discrete event simulation will be used to conduct experiments for different terminal design configurations and identify the performance of STS crane with parametric variations in operations. The impacts on the terminal key performance indicators (KPI) will also be identified and compared for both the crane types.

The project work involves both the qualitative and simulative studies. The qualitative study includes the desk research on available STS cranes in the market through manufacturer websites, publications, and reports. Recent container terminal news and survey reports will also be studied to identify a trend in the choice of STS crane by terminal operators. The simulative study will cover the aspects of simulation modelling and experimentation. In this, abstract simulation models for individual terminal components will be created. These models will include the state-of-the-art different means of automated horizontal transports and automated stacking cranes. The STS crane will be modelled with sub-models so that both the single trolley and double trolley cranes can be configured. The data for the simulation experimentation will be synthesised based on the expert reviews and raw data resources presented by publication partner (KALP GmbH).

Simulation experiments within present scope of study focuses on the evaluation of crane performance based on the position of lashing operations (water side and land side) for both single trolley and double trolley cranes. The study also involves the analysis of crane dynamics based on container position within vessel stowage plan during loading and unloading operation. Within the study both the coupled operations and decoupled operations will be studied individually, and in each case the transfer zone of container will be kept in the back-reach of the STS crane. Simulation experiments will be developed, and results will be documented in forms of graphs and performance charts representing efficiency and productivity.

The simulation results obtained from the hypothetical terminal design concepts will be explained and supporting statements will be drawn in the outlook of the study. Graphs and charts associated with crane performances will be elaborated and design recommendations will be drafted for attaining maximum productivity and optimum efficiency. Furthermore, general statements of recommendations for the reader will be drafted about the choice of decision over crane type selection and the parameters affecting such decision.

Source

[1]: N. Haworth, „Lessons in failure: Automation at the port of Auckland,“ ITFGLOBAL, 2023.