Design of empty container depot layouts using data and analytics

Erhan Karakaya (), Alice E. Smith, Rosa G. González Ramírez and Jimena Pascual
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Erhan Karakaya: Purdue University
Alice E. Smith: Auburn University
Rosa G. González Ramírez: Universidad de Los Andes Chile
Jimena Pascual: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, 2023, vol. 35, issue 1, No 8, 196-240

Abstract: Abstract This paper presents an approach using a combination of data-driven and analytical models to design the layout of empty container depots where top-lifters (TLs) are used. A method to determine the optimum number of blocks along with the number of driving lanes is proposed where the size of the blocks is specified by the number of rows, tiers, and bays. For estimating the effects of the design variables on the TL cycle time, formulas to calculate the expected travel distance of these vehicles are derived based on geometry and a Markov chain model is used to obtain the times of retrieval and placement by the TLs using data gathered in an empirical study from a typical empty container yard. Together, the total cycle time (travel, retrieval, and placement) is then used as the objective function to evaluate alternative container yard layout options. Numerical examples from a case study are provided to illustrate the layout design procedure and show its effectiveness and pragmatism.

Keywords: Depot layout; Empty shipping container; Maritime logistics; Container yards; Data analytics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10696-022-09452-z

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