Factors Influencing Ship Berthing Scheduling for Enhancing Container Terminal Productivity in Sustainable Operations

Abstract The berthing schedule significantly affects the number of ships that can berth at a container terminal within a given timeframe. Inefficient scheduling can lead to the underutilization of berthing slots, thereby impacting the terminal’s overall productivity. This research aims to analyse the effect of different berthing schedules on ship calls and production capacity at a container terminal. The study compares several scheduling scenarios, considering parameters such as vessel dimensions, loading and unloading equipment, and berth length. The simulation results demonstrate that optimized window berthing and scheduling can minimize idle time between vessel arrivals, allowing for more ship calls. Effective window berthing scheduling requires careful preparation and continuous monitoring, including coordination with ship-owners, cargo owners, and service providers such as pilots and tug operators, as well as other stakeholders involved in berthing activities at the terminal. Berthing optimization schedules at container terminals by minimizing idle time between vessel arrivals and reducing waiting times, has potential impacts on environmental sustainability, such as decreasing fuel consumption for ships and port equipment and leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. This research was simulated using a discrete event simulation approach through Vensim software.