Rule based optimization for a bulk handling port operations

In this paper a study on the operations of a bulk material port is carried out to develop a decision support model, which deals with the dynamics of port and aids in better decision making at different scenarios. Here, we describe various decisions taken by port authorities pertaining to the import of coal at the terminal. We optimize these decisions with the aim of minimizing the unloading time of ships at the port, congestion in the stockyard, and loading time of the rakes. A practice-oriented decision support model is proposed to assist port planners in making these decisions. Various operational rules are embedded within the model, for carrying out the modelling of various port operations. The utility of the developed model is demonstrated using a case study which helps in achieving efficient utilization of berths, stockyard and rake loading stations.