Enhancing Operational Efficiency of Mixed-Cargo Terminals using Demand-Driven Storage Reconfigurability

Abstract

Modern maritime terminals face increasing challenges such as volatile cargo volumes,fluctuating demand and congestion due to the evolving market requirements.To remain competitive under these changing conditions, terminals need to become more flexible and adaptable.One approach to improve the terminal flexibility is to accommodate multiple cargo types within a shared operational environment, resulting in mixed-cargo terminals.However literature shows that existing storage allocation and operational strategies have primarily been developed for single-cargo terminals and are not sufficient to address the operational conflicts arising from integrating multiple cargo types with different storage, handling and operational requirements in one terminal yard.To address this research gap, this study proposes a novel demand-driven reconfigurable storage framework that dynamically reallocates cargo between storage areas within a mixed-cargo terminal.This study uses container and breakbulk cargo as the two types of cargo that share the terminal storage yard.The proposed framework aims to improve terminal operational efficiency of mixed-cargo terminals through improving storage flexibility and resource utilisation under fluctuating demand conditions.

For this research, a hybrid simulation model combining Agent Based Modelling(ABM) and Discrete Event Simulation(DES) is developed in AnyLogic to evaluate the proposed reconfigurable framework against a conventional static storage strategy.The framework was assessed using multiple demand scenarios; normal demand, container high and breakbulk high demand and analysed using several key performance indicators such as queue length, storage utilisation,cargo dwell time and throughput.The study demonstrates that the proposed framework improves operational efficiency of the terminal under increased demand conditions by reducing congestion, improving storage utilisation, enhancing cargo flow and improving throughput of the terminal.The findings showcase that the demand-driven reconfigurable storage framework offers a practical and adaptable approach for improving the operational performance of mixed-cargo terminals.