Simulation Modelling for Automated Guided Vehicle Introduction to the Loading Process of Ro-Ro Ships

Abstract

This paper aims to introduce the adaptation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in the car-loading process of Ro-Ro ships compared with the current loading process. This study analyzed the applicable scenarios for the AGVs’ adaptation in a Ro-Ro port, employing Arena simulation to compare the productivity of the loading processes. The results revealed that the adaptation of the AGVs in the car-loading process of the Ro-Ro ships improves productivity and solves several problems of the current loading process. With 21 or more AGVs, the entire processing time is similar to or less than the current loading process, whereas, after 40 AGVs, it stayed the same. Furthermore, as the number of AGVs increases, the transfer time decreases, but the queue becomes longer. Identifying the effect of the AGV adaptation, this study provides valuable insights for developing the various traffic situations in Ro-Ro port operations.

Performance of the Car Carrier Shipping Sector in the Iberian Peninsula under the COVID-19 Scenario

“…In addition, the vessels and their modes of operation are being studied, with systems to improve the selection of ports of origin and destination of these vessels, reducing the movements and transport time of manufactured vehicles [21]. Other work focuses on reducing the time that car-carriers are in port by optimizing the location of cars at ro-ro terminals [22], as well as using techniques for simulating port movements and automating the loading of cars onto ships, using the latest artificial intelligence and simulation technologies [23]. Additionally, these studies keep sight of future objectives such as increasing the sustainability of the sector and integrating the transport of car carriers into an intermodal transport chain [24].…”

Container Port Automation

“…This is reflected in the very limited effect on employment today of increasing liquid bulk cargo volumes (Bottasso et al, 2013). The experience with container terminal automation to date could also be relevant for other port terminal segments, for example, the roll-on/roll-off segment where automated equipment from container terminals could possibly be deployed (Park et al, 2021).…”