Approximate dynamic programming for container stacking

René Boschma, Martijn R.K. Mes and Leon R. de Vries

European Journal of Operational Research, 2023, vol. 310, issue 1, 328-342

Abstract: At some point during transport, intermodal containers will be stored at a terminal, where they are typically stacked on top of each other. Stacking yields a higher utilization of the area but may lead to unproductive reshuffle moves when containers below another need to be retrieved. Preventing reshuffles has a financial benefit, as it not only avoids the costs of executing the reshuffle but also decreases the time needed to retrieve a container. Typically, researchers consider only the retrieval of containers and assume the retrieval order is fully known. In addition, existing studies do not consider the stacking restrictions imposed by a reach stacker, which is commonly used in smaller inland terminals. This research aims to design decision support for determining real-life applicable container stack allocations so that the expected number of reshuffles is minimized. We propose a model that includes both arrivals and departures of containers as well as a certain level of uncertainty in the order thereof. The problem is modeled as a Markov Decision Process and solved using Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP). Through numerical experiments on real-life problem instances, we conclude that the ADP approach drastically outperforms a benchmark heuristic from the literature. All data used as well as the source code has been made publicly available.

Keywords: OR In maritime industry; Container stacking; Container relocation problem; Approximate dynamic programming; Intermodal transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:310:y:2023:i:1:p:328-342

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2023.02.034

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