Modelling and solution approaches to the multi-load AGV dispatching problem in seaport container Terminals

Abstract

We consider the automated guided vehicle (AGV) dispatching problem in container terminals where vehicles are allowed to carry more than one container at a time. The main focus of the study is on dual-load AGVs, which may carry either two 20-ft containers or one 40/45-ft container. We propose a new mathematical formulation for the corresponding optimisation problem under a rolling horizon approach; the proposed model is a simplification over existing formulations. The performance of the model is evaluated against different scenarios with respect to minimising a defined dispatching ‘cost’. Our computational results are based on a number of scenarios for container terminals, with various layout configurations and levels of workload, and show that the model can generally be solved quickly providing good quality solutions.

Publication
IAME