A simulation approach to 'quay-to-shore storage area' container transfer problem

Maritime container terminals are complex systems consisting of various interrelated components. Among them, the subsystem performing the container transfer between the quay and the container storage areas is of critical importance as any inefficiency in feeding a quay crane with containers affects negatively the performance of the whole sea-side operation. The current work conducts an investigation of the parameters affecting the performance of this subsystem and attempts to resolve a contradiction concerning the effectiveness of pooled transfer equipment strategy. The analysis was performed by use of a simulation model for an ideal container berth with an adjacent stack area. Inbound and outgoing container bundling techniques were investigated in combination with pooled equipment strategies. The main outcome is that when quay is linear, the container bundling is effective when it takes place between quay cranes of the same vessel or even between quay cranes of adjacent vessels.