A New Container Trans-Marshalling Problem in Perpendicular Layout Automated Container Terminals

Abstract

In perpendicular layout terminals, containers initially stored near the landside need to be strategically relocated to the seaside for vessel loading. This study investigates this process, referred to as trans-marshalling, to achieve an ordered stacking state, reducing relocations during loading. We introduce the Container Trans-Marshalling Problem (CTMP) and establish the NP-hardness of this problem. To address the CTMP, we propose a two-stage solution framework that combines Column Generation and the A* algorithms.    The approach is validated using benchmark data, an extended dataset, and a case study at the Shanghai Yangshan Phase IV Automated Terminal. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed trans-marshalling strategy and the solution framework.

Keywords: Perpendicular layout, Automated container terminal, Trans-marshalling, Column Generation algorithm, A* algorithm