Exploring strategies in integrated container terminal planning tasks

Abstract

Planning tasks in modern, fully automated container terminals require a high awareness of the complex situation, and successful planning strategies. Operational planning includes both strategies of planning and resource management. As planning procedures are not (yet) fully automated, a skilled workforce of planners is needed to conduct the complex operational planning of container terminal procedures and equipment. By using a simulation game, we explored which planning strategies are successful, leading to efficient and effective use of container terminal equipment. Our results show that through the game, we were able to identify three main strategies, of which one is associated with efficient unloading of vessels, and with high scores in game play. A second type of strategy, moderately rewarded, is associated with good handling of containers. The third type of strategies generally reflects players overwhelmed by increases in activity in the port, resulting in long wait times and a poor score at the game.