Study on bulk terminal berth allocation based on heuristic algorithm

Abstract

Operational efficiency is the key factor of terminal's profit .This paper is intended to improve the efficiency of berth allocation and establish the mathematical model of berth allocation strategies including berthing location and berthing time according to the principle of quayside's limitation and the loading capacity of ships. On the condition that maximizes terminal's throughput, all the ships has the shortest time delayed when they depart from the port . A case study of a Terminal in Tianjin Port, heuristic algorithm is used to obtain the solution for this model, the result has the feasibility and practicability. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.