Modeling and Simulation of Automated Container Terminal Operation

The growths of containerization and transporting goods in containers have created many problems for ports, especially with the development of operation equipments produced by port machine manufacturer. A simulation study was proposed to a new container terminal handling technology, which is comprised of twin 40-foot quay cranes, a low bridge allocation system and twin 40-foot rail mounted gantry crane (RMG). The loading and unloading process was analysised and container terminal operation conditions are defined under this operation conditions. Based on event-driven and virtual reality technology, the handling technology simulation model was established. The operating efficiency of key equipments is calculated during the simulation. Finally, validation is presented through a case study. The method enriched the contents of container terminal handling technology simulation and laid the foundation for further study of automated container terminal.