Innovative Scheduling Algorithms to Improve Port Operations

Ports have been bearing the brunt of the impact for months from the different interferences along the supply chain. The pandemic has only exacerbated an already existing problem, as ports and their operations have always been the weakest link of the supply chain network. A particularly significant part of the problem is associated with the scheduling and routing of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) which are performing loading and unloading operations following specific logics. This scheduling problem is modeled with very complex mathematical formulation, inherently difficult to solve, also due to their combinatorial nature. Many significant delays occur due to lack of coordination between the vehicles and the Cranes and Trucks, at both other ends of the port logistics. This is due to uncertainty and lack of reliable forecasts of arrivals, but also to the lack of proper control mechanisms to overcome and prevent this lack of synchronization. This research project will explore these challenges and propose innovative solutions to this complex problem by developing algorithms and solution methods.

• Record URL:
  https://fersc.utk.edu/research-focus/fersc-projects/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $192622
• Contract Numbers:

  69-A3552348338

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain

  University of Tennessee Knoxville
  Knoxville, TN  United States  37996
• Project Managers:

  Bruner, Britain

  Kaplan, Marcella

• Performing Organizations:

  Texas A&M University, College Station

  College Station, TX  United States  77840
• Principal Investigators:

  Quadrifoglio, Luca

  Wang, Bruce

• Start Date: 20230801
• Expected Completion Date: 20240731
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated guided vehicle systems; Coordination; Port operations; Scheduling; Supply chain management
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01895586
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain
• Contract Numbers: 69-A3552348338
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Oct 6 2023 6:14PM