Terminal Operations
Executes the planned move set including discharge, load, and shifts under yard and vessel stowage constraints. Crane sequencing, yard stacking, reefer control, IMDG rules, and equipment dispatch are synchronized. Key measures include gross and net crane rates, truck, rail, and barge turn times, and adherence to cut-off plans. Inputs include the TOS with stow plans and yard maps, DG lists, reefer set points, and real-time exceptions. The purpose is safe, fast, and error-free cargo flow with reliable timestamps for all partners. The outcome is a stow that meets stability and trim targets and supports scheduled hinterland connections.
Step 1Cargo Unloading
Discharges import and transshipment units or bulk into the yard, tanks, or silos. Crane windows are protected, and exceptions such as damaged units or IMDG cargo follow dedicated lanes. Accurate timestamps of first and last lift support KPIs and onward connections. Yard planning enables rapid handoff to truck, rail, or barge after clearance. The purpose is fast and safe removal from the vessel’s critical path. Performance is defined by zero damage and adherence to plan.
Step 2Cargo Loading
Builds the outbound stow to meet stability limits, schedules, and connection commitments. Loads follow optimized crane sequences and cut-off compliance. Late arrivals are handled through controlled exceptions or rolled to the next sailing. Time events feed carrier reliability metrics and berth release forecasts. The purpose is a seaworthy and schedule-compliant departure. Success is on-time last lift with compliant trim and GM.
Step 3Containers Allocation
Assigns yard and onboard slots respecting weight, IMDG, reefer, and connection constraints. Balances vessel stability with crane reach and yard travel distance. Reshuffles are minimized through efficient stacking and pick-path planning. Real-time disruptions are handled through small, contained reallocations. The purpose is high throughput with minimal handling waste. Performance is measured by low restow and reshuffle counts and high crane productivity.
Step 4Handling Equipment
Dispatches cranes, straddles or AGVs, forklifts, spreaders, and reefer racks. Maintenance status and operator availability determine usable capacity. Safety envelopes define where and when equipment may operate. Telematics and RTLS provide live location and utilization data. The purpose is to convert the plan into physical moves at target rates. Performance is measured by high uptime and moves per hour without incidents.
Research Problems
Quay-Crane Scheduling
Optimizing crane sequences and allocations to minimize vessel time alongside and maximize moves per crane-hour.
Yard-Vehicle Routing
Routing yard vehicles (straddles, AGVs, tractors) to reduce travel time, congestion, and energy use while respecting timing windows.
Truck Appointment Scheduling
Scheduling and slotting truck arrivals to reduce gate queues and improve terminal throughput and truck turn times.
Execution Party
Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (Delta, Euromax)
- Operates major container terminals, handling vessel ops, yard ops, rail/barge connections, and hinterland trucking.
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II
- Fully automated terminal using AGVs and remote-controlled cranes, driven by an advanced TOS.
Rhenus Port Logistics
- Multipurpose logistics including warehousing, bulk/breakbulk handling, and value-added services.
Hanseatic Global Terminals
- Multipurpose terminal operator handling general cargo and storage.
Planning Party
Port of Rotterdam Authority
- Coordinates infrastructure usage, berth planning, and integrates terminal ops with overall port traffic flows.
Rotterdam Terminal Operators’ Association (VRTO)
- Represents terminal operators; supports harmonisation, policy input, and joint coordination.
Hapag-Lloyd
- Global carrier coordinating berth planning and container flow scheduling with ECT and APMT.
Evergreen Marine
- Ocean Alliance carrier coordinating berth slots and exchanges in Rotterdam.
Available Data
| Data Source | Description |
|---|---|
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ECT — MyTerminal
Last update:
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Free account gives operational visibility for ECT (container status, visits, planning tools; premium optional).
Version: Free (registration)
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RWG — Services & Operational Data
Last update:
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Real-time terminal information: container statuses, handling updates, planned maintenance and disruptions.
Version: Free (public)
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APM Terminals MVII — Vessel Schedule
Last update:
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Live schedule for vessels alongside/expected at MVII.
Version: Free (public)
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Portbase — HCN Barge
Last update:
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Prenotify barge visits/containers and receive handling status for rotations.
Version: Free (registration)
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Portbase — HCN Road
Last update:
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Truck visit prenotification with terminal feedback for gate/slot prep and turn-time control.
Version: Free (registration)
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Container Terminals & Depots (Rotterdam, PDF)
Last update:
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Quay lengths, drafts, cranes, and locations for feasibility checks.
Version: Free (PDF)
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ECT — Inland Container Shipping Guidelines (PDF)
Last update:
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Guidance for barge/terminal coordination: ETA/ETD updates, cut-offs, operational rules.
Version: Free (PDF)
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Portbase — Spotlight API (Berth/Terminal Infra)
Last update:
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Free API with terminal/berth location data for berth selection and planning.
Version: Free (registration)
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Free (public): The content is publicly accessible on the website without login or payment.
Free (registration): The resource is free but requires creating a (free) account or signing-in to access certain features or datasets.
Free (PDF): The resource is a downloadable PDF (static document) that is free to download and read.
