Productivity of Container Terminal Operations Through Automation

This study identifies productive movements of containers and examines the productivity of container stacking and retrieval operations in container terminals using automated yard gantry cranes. It uses the indices of accessibility and introduces a comprehensive definition for the productivity of container terminal operation. This study sets up a basis for the enhancement of productivity and utilisation of time and spaces in the modern container terminals. It is argued that a considerable saving in the cycle time and re-handlings of containers can be achieved by the enhancement of the stacking blocks. Reducing the cycle times will help the gantry cranes to significantly contribute in the reduction of the turnaround time of containerships at container terminals.