Optimizing vessel scheduling in ports: An integer programming approach to mitigating extreme weather impacts

Abstract

Ports are essential to the global shipping industry, serving as critical hubs for the efficient movement of goods. However, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change poses significant economic challenges to port operations and the sustainable development of shipping industry. Managing the orderly scheduling of vessels during extreme weather events is crucial for mitigating their impact. Our research focuses on how ports can effectively guide vessels to evacuate before a storm and determine their return sequence and timing post-storm. We propose an integer programming model designed to optimize decisions and minimize the total costs of tugboat costs, remaining cargo abandonment costs, and delay costs, thereby reducing the adverse effects of storms on ports and vessels. The efficacy of this model is evaluated through extensive numerical experiments. Sensitivity analysis as well as robustness analysis is conducted to assess the influence of vessel cost parameters on optimal decisions. The results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly reduces total operational costs and improves vessel scheduling efficiency during extreme weather events, offering actionable strategies for port managers to adapt to varying storm scenarios. Finally, we provide valuable insights for optimizing vessel scheduling in ports during extreme weather conditions, contributing to the sustainable growth of the shipping industry and serving as a practical decision-making tool for ports and vessels facing harsh weather conditions.