Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

Efficient and effective berth allocation is essential to guarantee high container throughput in a container terminal. Modern mega-terminals are usually comprised of multiple disjointed berths. However, this type of Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) has not attracted a lot of attention from the academic world due to its great complexity. This research develops new methodologies for solving complex BAPs, in particular, BAPs involving quay crane scheduling in a multiple-berth environment. This research develops a mathematical model and a new Branch and Price algorithm (B&P) which hybridizes the column generation approach and the Branch and Bound method (B&B) to generate optimal multiple-berth plans (MBAP) within acceptable time limits. A new exact algorithm based on the label-correcting concept is designed to obtain all potential columns by defining a new label structure and dominance rules. To accelerate the generation of columns, two heuristics are proposed to distribute vessels among berths and to establish the handling sequence of the vessels allocated to each berth. An early termination condition is also developed to avoid the “tailing off effect” phenomenon during column generation process. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed methodology are demonstrated by solving a set of randomly generated test problems. Since the Berth Allocation Problem (BAP) and the Quay Crane Scheduling Problem (QCSP) strongly interact, this research also studies the Simultaneous Berth Allocation and Quay Crane Scheduling Problem (BAQCSP). An advanced mathematical model and a new hybrid meta-heuristic GA-TS algorithm which is based on the concept of Genetic Algorithm (GA) are developed to solve the proposed BAQCSP effectively and efficiently. A new crossover operation inspired by the memory-based strategy of Tabu Search (TS) and the mutation operation are implemented to avoid premature convergence of the optimization process. The local search ability of TS is incorporated into the mutation operation to improve the exploitation of the solution space. Comparative experiments are also conducted to show the superiority of the performance of the proposed GA-TS Algorithm over the B&B and the canonical GA. Furthermore, this research extends the scope of BAQCSP to consider the Simultaneous Multiple-berth Allocation and Quay Crane Scheduling Problem (MBAQCSP). A MBAQCSP model is developed consisting of various operational constraints arising from a wide range of practical applications. Since MBAQCSP combines the structures of both MBAP and BAQCSP, the exact B&P proposed for solving MBAP can be modified to optimally solve MBAQCSP. However, the calculation time of B&P increases significantly as the V/B ratio (i.e., vessel number to berth number) grows. In order to eliminate this shortcoming, this research develops a GA-TS Aided Column Generation Algorithm which hybridizes the GA-TS Algorithm proposed for solving BAQCSP with the Column Generation Algorithm to locate the optimal or near optimal solutions of MBAQCSP. The computational results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm locates excellent near optimal solutions to all test problems within acceptable time limits, even problems with high V/B ratios. Finally, this research also shows that the proposed GA-TS Aided Column Generation Algorithm can be easily modified to solve MBAP efficiently. / published_or_final_version / Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Rhode Island, 2009. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 195-205).

published_or_final_version / Urban Planning / Master / Master of Science in Urban Planning

Este trabalho apresenta um diagnóstico da questão de automação em terminais de contêineres no Brasil, assim como oferece uma proposta de um modelo que permita auxiliar a reflexão no momento da tomada de decisão na escolha da automação de equipamentos e/ou de processos que compõem as principais atividades de um terminal de contêineres. O processo de automação é recente na indústria portuária, teve seu início na década de 90 em países europeus cujos custos laborais eram altíssimos e necessitavam aumentar a produtividade e experimentar inovações. O modelo apresentado pretende ser uma proposta de análise expandida, isto é, um conceito amplo, que não verifique apenas análises financeiras, mas outros aspectos pertinentes à gestão e planejamento de um terminal, indicados por meio de um conjunto de variáveis. A saber: Layout existente ou proposto do terminal, Investimento financeiro CAPEX e OPEX, Confiabilidade dos sistemas de automação, Integração com sistemas de Tecnologia da Informação e Inteligência de Equipamento, em especial com os Sistemas de Operações dos Terminais, mas conhecidos como TOS (Terminal Operating System), Organização do trabalho e alterações de procedimentos operacionais, Contribuição para a segurança e meio ambiente, Obrigatoriedade legal do uso de automação, Custo e Intensidade do uso de mão de obra. A contextualização do setor e evolução da automação na indústria portuária; assim como um quadro atual da situação (diagnóstico) de automação dos terminais brasileiros será apresentada. Posteriormente, a revisão bibliográfica do tema com os principais artigos nacionais e internacionais. Todo esse arcabouço busca demonstrar o hiato existente entre os estágios automatizados e não automatizados; indicar os principais entraves existentes na implantação da automação por processo existente; promover a discussão da viabilidade desses terminais entre operadores, armadores, clientes e demais intervenientes em termos de produtividade, eficiência e de custos. A delicada questão da mão de obra avulsa não foi considerada uma variável restritiva do modelo por diversas razões: pois por si só seria restrição de implantação da automação pela reserva de mercado, especialmente para avulsos; ela permeia diversos itens listados anteriormente. Ao final dessa tese, além do diagnóstico de automação no país e de uma proposta de modelo para a tomada de decisão; espera-se contribuir a pesquisa e ao ensino da engenharia e áreas de gestão indicando do grau e desenvolvimento tecnológico na área de automação especificamente para terminais de contêineres. E, por derradeiro, fomentar uma reflexão sobre a profundidade das mudanças operacionais e organizacionais do trabalho que podem ocorrer. / This study aims a diagnosis of automation in container terminals in Brazil, and offers a proposal of model that allows assist the reflection at the time of decision making in the choice of automation equipment and/or processes that compose the main activities of a container terminal. The automation process is recent into port industry, beginning in the 90s in European countries whose labor costs were very high and needed to increase productivity and test innovations. The model to be presented is intended to be a proposal for expanded analysis, ie, a wide concept, which not only make financial analysis, but others relevant to the terminal management and planning, indicated by a set of variable features. Namely: existing or proposed layout, Financial Investment CAPEX and OPEX, Reliability of automation systems, integration of Information and Intelligence hardware technology systems, in particular with the Terminal Operating System (TOS), organization of work and changes in Standards Operating Procedures, Contribution to safety and the environment, legal obligation of the use of automation, cost and intensity of use of labor. The contextualization of the sector and the evolution of automation in the port industry; as the current situation (diagnosis) of Brazilian container terminals will be presented. Subsequently, the literature review of the topic with the main national and international articles. All this framework seeks to demonstrate the gap between automated and non-automated stages; indicate the main barriers in implementation of automation for existing process; further discussion of the viability of these terminals to operators, shipowners, customers and others stakeholders in terms of productivity, efficiency and cost. The delicate issue of dock workers was not considered a restrictive variable model for several reasons: it alone would restriction deployment automation by booking deployment automation, especially for dockers pool; it permeates many items listed above. At the end of this thesis, in addition to the diagnosis of automation in the country and a proposed model for decision making; is expected to contribute to research and education in engineering and management areas indicating the degree and technological development in automation specifically for container terminals. And at last, to promote reflections on the depth of operational and organizational job changes that may occur.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.