Simulation-based multi-equipment integrated scheduling for a U-shaped container terminal considering uncertain operation times

The integrated scheduling problem of container terminals has attracted significant attention in recent years. Uncertainty is frequent in real port terminals, which can increase the scheduling difficulties. It is worthwhile to study the establishment of a more realistic experimental platform that simulates the actual operation scene of the terminal. Visual simulation can play a greater role in this problem than numerical simulation by considering various uncertainties. In this paper, we build a visual simulation platform based on AnyLogic to solve the integrated scheduling problem of quay cranes, intelligent guided vehicles, and yard cranes in a U-shaped container terminal. Uncertain operation times existing in real ports are considered and set in the platform. The simulation platform is used to compare two kinds of robust scheduling plan generation methods: the robust-proactive method considering anti-cascade effects and robustness index proposed by Cai et al and a well-known robust optimization method. Experiments results demonstrate that the RPM-AERI achieves a smaller makespan and provides more effective decision support for port managers.