Dual cycle mode scheduling of internal transfer in container terminals using a Genetic Algorithm

The use of standardized containers in cargo transportation has gained undoubted worldwide importance during the last four decades. At a container terminal, containers are transferred between vessels and container yard blocks by different types of transporters. Improving transporter utilization can lead to improving terminal throughput and operational efficiency. This is why dual-cycle transfer mode is applied. In dual-cycle transfer mode, transporters operate in a pool serving several cranes in alternative modes of loading or discharging. Although empty travel distance can be reduced, it is difficult to apply dual-cycle transfer mode at manned container terminals. Grouping of transporters can combine ease of use and dual-cycle transfer mode, where transporters in the same group operate in a pool. In this paper, a Multi-Layer Genetic Algorithm (MLGA) is developed to first construct groups of transporters, and then schedule transporters in the same pool in a dual cycle mode of transfer. The decision aims to decrease the makespan of discharging and loading of containers.