Optimal Number of Quay Cranes in Container Terminals with Twin-40-Feet Quay Cranes

To optimize the number of quay cranes in container terminals with twin-40-feet and common quay cranes, this paper first proposed an optimization model to minimize the total costs for container terminal operation. Then a queuing model for different berth throughout capacity is employed considering the characteristic of twin-40-feet quay crane operation and the random arrival of ships. And a quasi-birth-and death theory is introduced to obtain the values of system performance indicators. Finally, the proposed optimization model is applied in a container terminal, and the results prove the effectiveness and feasibility of this optimization model, which can provide a good reference for optimizing quay cranes planning.