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2009 Annual Forum
View Abstract
Maximizing Opportunity for Service Upon Arrival and Minimizing Delayed Departures: A Conceptual Berth Scheduling Policy, Model Formulations and Solution Approaches
Maria Boile, Rutgers University, boile@rci.rutgers.edu
Mihalis Golias, Rutgers University, mihalisgolias@yahoo.com
Sotirios Theofanis, Rutgers University, stheofan@rci.rutgers.edu
Maritime transportation is a key facilitator of global trade, carrying about 71% of all international trade by share, 98% of global freight by volume and about 96% by weight, i.e. 6.4 billion tons of international trade. Seaborne trade is expected to continue to grow. Ports are trying to find efficient ways to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic and to deal with various concerns, including maintaining service levels for the ocean carriers, improving terminal operations, reducing costs and port related emissions. To achieve these objectives, terminal operators seek optimal berth scheduling policies to minimize vessel waiting and delays at the port. At the same time, ocean carriers are concerned with the increases in fuel prices, which have been estimated to account for more than 60% of their operating costs. Shipping lines have slowed down their ships on several routes and singled out fuel as one of their single biggest challenges. In light of these issues this paper presents a conceptual framework for the berth scheduling problem where for the first time vessel arrival times are considered to be variable. The objective of this formulation is to determine the desirable vessel arrival time that will maximize berthing upon arrival and minimize delayed departures. Using this berth scheduling model and relevant information, ocean carriers will be able to reduce their vessels' speed to levels that will allow them to reach a port close to their scheduled berthing time, thus reducing fuel consumption on its way to the port and idle time at the port. Terminal operators, on the other hand, may improve efficiency and reduce costs, while significantly reducing vessel related emissions. A number of different berth scheduling policies, formulations and solution approaches are presented and critically discussed in terms of their applicability, versatility and ease of implementation.