WBFO - Maritime and Ports Operations Research

This study proposes an AIS-based Dynamic Rescheduling Berth Allocation and Crane Assignment Problem (ADR-BACAP) method to address berth planning uncertainties caused by vessel delays. By integrating AIS data and random forest techniques, the method predicts vessel arrival times and dynamically adjusts berth and crane allocations within a rolling time window. Using Kaohsiung Port's 2023 data, empirical analysis demonstrates that ADR-BACAP reduces forecast errors by 62% and minimizes total costs compared to traditional methods across three scenarios: delayed vessels, both early and delayed vessels, and vessels not in the baseline plan. Sensitivity analysis reveals that when the number of delayed vessels is small and the delay duration is short, using ADR-BACAP for allocation can effectively compensate for the time loss caused by delays. However, when the number of delayed vessels is high and the delay duration exceeds three hours, the compensation effect is significantly weakened, resulting in an increase in total costs by 3.5% to 7.5%. In addition, this study found that different cost ratios directly impact the results. Overemphasis on optimizing a single cost disrupts resource allocation, highlighting the importance of flexibility in cost prioritization.

Taiwan is located at the major Asian shipping routes, with a significant number of vessels traveling between multiple ports. This makes it suitable for applying joint decision-making in multi-port berth allocation planning. Therefore, this study explores the feasibility of a Multi-Port Berth Allocation Problem (MBAP) in Taiwan's port operations and its potential impact on fuel consumption and operational efficiency.
The study utilizes operational data from Taipei Port, Taichung Port, and Kaohsiung Port from February 2024. A mixed-integer linear programming model is used and Gurobi is employed for exact solving. The optimization of the mathematical model provides the lowest-cost berth allocation and sailing speeds, demonstrating its benefits in real-world operations. Scenario analysis results show that multi-port berth allocation can effectively reduce fuel costs by nearly 20%, highlighting its advantages in reducing fuel consumption. Considering port operational efficiency, multi-port berth allocation effectively reduced container ship waiting time by 24.09 hours, improving overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis introduced the concept of a cost-weighted model to enhance cooperation between port operators and shipping companies, jointly planning berth allocations to seek mutually beneficial solutions.

The maritime shipping industry, responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is facing increasing pressure to transition towards decarbonization due to the escalating threat of climate change. This has inspired the conceptualization of green maritime corridors-a designated network of shipping routes, ports, and associated infrastructure strategically designed to advocate for shipping practices with low or zero emissions. Despite initial empirical studies highlighting their potential, the design of these shipping networks and the establishment of necessary refueling stations for alternative fuel ships remain underdeveloped. Furthermore, the impact of the European Emission Trading System (EU ETS), implemented in 2024, on maritime stakeholders and its effectiveness in incentivizing investments in carbon-free or zero-carbon technologies is poorly understood. Therefore, in this work, we define the network design and refueling station location problem within green maritime corridors and propose an optimization model to minimize overall costs. We analyze emission fees under the EU ETS across different scenarios and assess the investment costs of building green maritime corridors, highlighting incentives for shipping operators to be involved. Thus we present a first optimization approach for designing green maritime corridors, offering critical guidance to policymakers and industry stakeholders for effective implementation of maritime green corridors.