Unloading and Premarshalling Algorithms with Java Computer Animation for Terminal Yard Operations

Unloading and pre-marshalling (or reshuffling) operations have been considered as basic/important tasks in port terminals’ activities, since efficiency of these operations contributes significantly to cost savings. The primary goal for this paper is to develop simple heuristic unloading and pre-marshalling algorithms. Detailed explanations for the proposed algorithms are given in the form of step-by-step numerical procedures, so that the reported results can be reproduced by the readers. Several numerical examples (including the ones considered by other researchers) are used to validate the proposed unloading and pre-marshalling algorithms. A secondary goal for this paper is to develop a user-friendly and easy-to-use Java Graphical User Interface (GUI) software application that provides precise and clear step-by-step instructions with visual animation and voice for the unloading and pre-marshalling algorithms for Terminal Container Yard operations. The developed Java software can be used as an additional/educational tool that would serve both students and transportation professionals in solving any complex dynamic container yard layouts visually with the provided steps to show the “final/optimal” results. A demo video of both unloading and pre-marshalling algorithm’s animation and results can be viewed online from any web browser using the website provided. .