Planning simulation experiments in problems of studying operational strategies of container terminals

The article describes the problem of the effectiveness of different container stacking strategies, which has been the matter of research in many scientific works. The methods of substantiating the strategies vary from mathematical calculations to practical application. There has been set the task to prove the adequacy of the new container stacking strategy. The application of different strategies for container terminals is found not reliable due to rapid changes of operating conditions and insufficient amount of data that can be collected for the short period of a strategy application. It is proved that the only reliable method that provides the independent proof of the efficiency of container stacking strategies is simulation modelling. Special attention in the studies should be given to planning of the experiments. To compare the strategies it is proposed to use multiple experiments with different parameters of the incoming and outgoing traffic. There is presented a case of comparison of strategies for finding a minimum over the entire stack and stacking containers based on their shelf life. When analyzing the strategies for storing containers it is necessary to determine the optimality criterion, since the attractiveness of a particular strategy will depend on the selected optimized parameter. As a criterion of optimality in the given example, the complexity of the selection of containers is taken, which is determined by the average number of movements required to select one container. It is justified that according to the optimality criterion, the best strategy takes into account the storage periods of containers.

An Analysis of Dynamics Effects on Increasing Temporary Container Storage Tariff: A Case Study Banjarmasin Container Port

To reduce dwelling time, special steps are needed regarding the handling speed of containers, stacking rates in container yards and management of important container documents. In 2016, the Banjarmasin Container Port (BCP) operator expanded the Container Yard area because it was considered as a step to overcome the overload in the CY area. This is proven to reduce density the following year. But along with the increasing flow of containers coming out and entering through the BCP, there could be an increase in the density of container flows. This study aims to re-evaluate and give consideration to the effect of container stacking rates on utilities and the smooth flow of goods at container Ports where new container stacking rates are beneficial for both parties (BCP operators and customers). The approach used in this study are game theory and system dynamics. System dynamics have characteristics with problems in container ports that are interrelated between one entity and another entity that has its own complexity. Game theory will give consideration to strategies that will benefit both parties if new rates are set. Based on the results, the optimal tariff is 50% (IDR 21,630) and the response decreases dwelling time for 6 days. The new tariff setting has an impact on increasing loading speed 22.09 B/C/H and unloading speed of 23.95 B/C/H. In addition, it also reduced revenue from temporary storage activities by 35.51%. While from the customer side with a 6 days response can save savings costs by 30.5%. This will help port management to make the right decision.