Optimization of warehouse operations: A case study in Cai Mep international terminal

Abstract

The study analyzes the optimization of warehouse operations of a seaport terminal, specifically solving container storage problem at Tan Cang – Cai Mep terminal in Ba Ria – Vung Tau city. Vessels can arrive at the terminal daily so it is crucial to come up with a storage plan for storing containers. Currently, the decisions for stacking containers in the yard are operated manually, thus leaving unnecessary consequences. Excessive reshuffling time, high transportation and operation costs among with poor space utilization of the container storage area are the unwanted outcomes of non – optimal decisions. The goal of this study is to develop a storage plan to minimize the reshuffling time in terms of transporting containers. A heuristics approach was proposed based on a research paper and Python programming was introduced in order to solve the problem. The results showed specific locations for vessels’ groups of containers. Other information were presented and discussed for further evaluation of this study. Keywords: container storage optimization, reshuffling time, optimization, python programming, heuristics approach.