Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework

This study addresses the integrated scheduling problem of dry bulk cargo terminal yards, which includes three components: transportation planning, yard selection optimization, and equipment scheduling. Additionally, the research integrates safety considerations and addresses the complexities of dyna...

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Main Authors: Haijiang Li, Jiapeng Zhao, Peng Jia, Hongdong Ou, Weili Zhao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/1/105
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author Haijiang Li
Jiapeng Zhao
Peng Jia
Hongdong Ou
Weili Zhao
author_facet Haijiang Li
Jiapeng Zhao
Peng Jia
Hongdong Ou
Weili Zhao
author_sort Haijiang Li
collection DOAJ
description This study addresses the integrated scheduling problem of dry bulk cargo terminal yards, which includes three components: transportation planning, yard selection optimization, and equipment scheduling. Additionally, the research integrates safety considerations and addresses the complexities of dynamic transportation planning. This work presents two innovations. Firstly, this study develops a sophisticated modeling framework that integrates graph structures for precise yard mapping with mixed-integer programming to enforce operational constraints. This integrated approach facilitates a more accurate and comprehensive representation of yard operations, capturing diverse operational aspects while maintaining model clarity and computational efficiency. Secondly, this study proposes an advanced solution methodology that employs a reinforcement learning technique integrating a Dueling Deep Q-Network and Double Deep Q-Network. This hybrid algorithm significantly enhances optimization performance and accelerates the learning process, thereby improving the efficiency of the solutions. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively manages the integrated scheduling of bulk material ingress, storage, and egress within the yard. The operational plans generated by the approach outperform traditional first-come, first-served strategies, showcasing substantial improvements in port operational efficiency and reliability. This comprehensive solution underscores the potential for significant advancements in the overall management and performance of dry bulk cargo ports.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2077-1312
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publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
spelling doaj-art-df8c63ac3980451499e636d431d397e52025-01-24T13:36:52ZengMDPI AGJournal of Marine Science and Engineering2077-13122025-01-0113110510.3390/jmse13010105Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning FrameworkHaijiang Li0Jiapeng Zhao1Peng Jia2Hongdong Ou3Weili Zhao4School of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaSchool of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaSchool of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaSchool of Maritime Economics and Management, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaQingdao Port International Company Limited Qiangang Branch, Qingdao 266011, ChinaThis study addresses the integrated scheduling problem of dry bulk cargo terminal yards, which includes three components: transportation planning, yard selection optimization, and equipment scheduling. Additionally, the research integrates safety considerations and addresses the complexities of dynamic transportation planning. This work presents two innovations. Firstly, this study develops a sophisticated modeling framework that integrates graph structures for precise yard mapping with mixed-integer programming to enforce operational constraints. This integrated approach facilitates a more accurate and comprehensive representation of yard operations, capturing diverse operational aspects while maintaining model clarity and computational efficiency. Secondly, this study proposes an advanced solution methodology that employs a reinforcement learning technique integrating a Dueling Deep Q-Network and Double Deep Q-Network. This hybrid algorithm significantly enhances optimization performance and accelerates the learning process, thereby improving the efficiency of the solutions. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively manages the integrated scheduling of bulk material ingress, storage, and egress within the yard. The operational plans generated by the approach outperform traditional first-come, first-served strategies, showcasing substantial improvements in port operational efficiency and reliability. This comprehensive solution underscores the potential for significant advancements in the overall management and performance of dry bulk cargo ports.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/1/105deep reinforcement learningdry bulk freight yardmixed-integer programmingoperational process planning
spellingShingle Haijiang Li
Jiapeng Zhao
Peng Jia
Hongdong Ou
Weili Zhao
Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
deep reinforcement learning
dry bulk freight yard
mixed-integer programming
operational process planning
title Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
title_full Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
title_fullStr Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
title_full_unstemmed Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
title_short Optimization of Bulk Cargo Terminal Unloading and Outbound Operations Based on a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
title_sort optimization of bulk cargo terminal unloading and outbound operations based on a deep reinforcement learning framework
topic deep reinforcement learning
dry bulk freight yard
mixed-integer programming
operational process planning
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/13/1/105
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AT jiapengzhao optimizationofbulkcargoterminalunloadingandoutboundoperationsbasedonadeepreinforcementlearningframework
AT pengjia optimizationofbulkcargoterminalunloadingandoutboundoperationsbasedonadeepreinforcementlearningframework
AT hongdongou optimizationofbulkcargoterminalunloadingandoutboundoperationsbasedonadeepreinforcementlearningframework
AT weilizhao optimizationofbulkcargoterminalunloadingandoutboundoperationsbasedonadeepreinforcementlearningframework