A simulation model for designing straddle carrier-based container terminals

Designing the storage yard in a container terminal is a major step towards efficient terminal operations. The problem may cover both long-term decisions, such as selecting the yard layout and the material handling equipment, and short-term decisions, such as assigning storage space and dispatching and routing the material handling equipment. We present a discrete-event simulation model to investigate the best yard layout in terms of block position, number and capacity in a straddle carrier-based transshipment hub bearing a perpendicular yard layout. The simulation model is highly detailed and it captures the blocking, locking and further waiting conditions occurring during real-time operations. Numerical experiments carried out for a real container terminal show how the model may easily support the operations manager in choosing the block design that minimizes the waiting times of straddle carriers and the makespan of the integrated container discharge/loading process.