Optimization of Production Scheduling in Container Terminals Using Computer Simulation

Scheduling of operational activities is a key step in port management. Port operation scheduling in China is normally based on empirical procedures that result in long ship berthing time, uneven distribution of duty cycle of machinery, and serious yard-block congestion. In view of this, this paper presents a simulation model for scheduling container terminals. The model provides information on equipment and port utilization as well as operational processes, thus providing managers with a valuable decision support tool for port operation scheduling.