Optimising container storage processes at multimodal terminals

Multimodal Container Terminals (MMCT) require comprehensive planning, programming and control in order to operate an efficient storage system. In this paper, a model has been developed for the storage system of the MMCT. It is an extension of the Blocks Relocation Problem, with incoming as well as outgoing containers, or 'blocks'. The model deals with assigning containers to positions within the storage area, rehandling of containers to be retrieved, and calculation of the processing times in order to perform these actions. A number of constructive heuristics are presented in order to produce good initial solutions for this problem. Meta-heuristics are also used to improve on these solutions. Results from the various heuristics on a few case study problems are compared and discussed. This research will also provide a core piece of technology for the development of autonomous container handling systems for terminals. Journal of the Operational Research Society (2012) 63, 1126-1142. doi: 10.1057/jors.2011.113 Published online 30 November 2011