A model-based Decision Support System for multiple container terminals hub management

Abstract Paper aims To develop a model-based Decision Support System (DSS) that allows identifying the best strategy of the inter-/intra-terminal flows of the containers in order to increasing the performance of the hub under economic and environmental perspective. Originality The adoption of a dry port can effectively solve the congestion problem of a terminal only if an integrated sustainable solution (dry port location and container strategy storage) is identified. Research method The model is based on a heuristic computational algorithm for non-linear programming. Main findings The application of DSS to a full-scale numerical case show the model capabilities in identifying the optimal logistic strategies ensuring a low CF and in optimizing the cost due to transport activities. Implications for theory and practice It is possible to identify different strategies allowing to obtain an eco-friendly solution reducing, at same time, the costs for a given number of containers to be handled.摘要 研究目的：本研究旨在开发一款基于模型的决策支持系统（Decision Support System，DSS），用以识别集装箱码头间与码头内部的最优物流调度策略，从而从经济与环境双重视角提升枢纽港的运营绩效。 创新之处：唯有确定一体化可持续解决方案（即干港（dry port）选址与集装箱存储策略），采用干港方可有效解决码头拥堵问题。 研究方法：本模型基于面向非线性规划的启发式计算算法构建。 主要发现：将该决策支持系统应用于全尺寸数值案例后，结果验证了模型可识别最优物流策略，在实现较低碳足迹（Carbon Footprint，CF）的同时，优化运输活动相关的运营成本。 理论与实践启示：本研究可明确多种可行策略，在打造环保型解决方案的同时，同步降低指定待处理集装箱总量对应的运营成本。