A corridor method-based algorithm for the pre-marshalling problem

Abstract

To ease the situation and to ensure a high performance of ship, train and truck operations at container terminals, containers sometimes are pre-stowed near to the loading place and in such an order that it fits the loading sequence. This is done after the stowage plan is finished and before ship loading starts. Such a problem may be referred to as pre-marshalling. Motivated by most recent publications on this problem we describe a metaheuristic approach which is able to solve this type of problem. The approach utilizes the paradigm of the corridor method. ©Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2009.