Autonomous fleet management system in smart ports: Practical design and analytical considerations

Automated horizontal transportation in container terminals represents a significant advancement in the field of autonomous commercial vehicles. Traditionally, these systems rely on the individual intelligence of each vehicle, similar to autonomous passenger vehicles. However, recent uses of automated technology in select container terminals have demonstrated the benefits of integrating vehicles with a centralized Autonomous Fleet Management System (AFMS). This collaboration not only mitigates information silos but also enhances operational efficiency, safety, and fosters fleet cluster intelligence. This study examines current applications in automated container terminals, analyses practical scenarios, and identifies the essential characteristics of an effective AFMS to support horizontal transportation management. The insights from this comprehensive analysis assist port operators in designing and operating their systems and help scholars better understand and define research questions in this field.