7. Re-marshalling Problem

Addressing the practice-orientated research questions of the work, a heuristic solution method is developed and operational tools are assessed that are apt for practical yard block operations within an online environment. As a consequence, this chapter is focused on a simulation-based approach which enables the testing of real-world cases. In this context, the Re-marshalling Problem is analysed in detail which is expected to be highly relevant to optimising container handling in yard blocks. Moreover, re-marshalling is the primary container handling type to be performed for making use of improved external truck arrival information during the dwell time of containers in the yard block. In this context, the Re-marshalling Problem is targeted within the front-end block layout embedded in full yard block operations. The combination of this environment and the underlying assumptions demonstrate a novel viewpoint on the Re-marshalling Problem which altogether has been scarcely covered in comparison to the more prominent container handling problems in the literature. Thus, the study in this chapter can be characterised as empirical study addressing practice-orientated terminal implementation and providing insights for terminal planners and operators regarding efficient yard block operations.