ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we design, analyze, simulate, and evaluate several automated container terminal (ACT) concepts that have a strong potential for increasing the terminal capacity. In particular, the following four ACT concepts are considered and evaluated:
8 The AGV-based ACT (AGV-ACT). In this concept, we consider a terminal configuration that is similar to that of conventional terminals, but instead of using manually operated equipment we use automated guided vehicles (AGVs), to transfer containers within the yard, and automated cranes, for loading and unloading.
The linear motor conveyance system (LMCS)-based ACT (LMCS-ACT). This terminal is the same as the AGV-ACT one, with the exception that instead of the AGVs, automated shuttles driven by linear motors are used to transfer containers within the terminal. The shuttles play the role of AGVs, but unlike AGVs, their paths are fixed by the guide ways of the LMCS.
The overhead grid rail (GR)-based ACT (GR-ACT). This system is obtained by replacing the storage yard, in the general layout of the ACT, with a number of GR units. A GR unit or module consists of an overhead rail system with shuttles that travel over stacks of tightly packed containers in the yard, retrieve them, and carry them to the GR unit buffers or from the GR buffers to locations in the yard. AGVs are used to transfer containers between the GR buffers and the ship/truck/train interface buffer.
The AS/RS-based ACT (AS/RS-ACT). The GR units in the GR-ACT system are replaced by an Automated Storage/Retrieval System (AS/RS) that provides the same storage capacity as other ACT concepts. As in the GR-ACT system, AGVs are used to transfer containers between the AS/RS units and the ship/truck/train interface buffers. The AS/RS concept utilizes much less land than the other concepts as containers are stored in a high structure with multiple floors.
Each ACT concept is designed to meet a future expected demand. A cost analysis is then performed to compute the average cost to move a container through the terminal, which becomes a measure for comparison in addition to other performance characteristics.
