A hierarchical taxonomy of decision-making models for container terminal operations

Managing container terminal operations in seaports is a cumbersome, complex and challenging problem. Given the importance of container traffic for international trade, it is surprising that this issue has been mostly tackled myopically. The problem involves a number of different criteria, such as faster discharge and loading of containers (vessel turnaround time), increased yard and equipment utilisation, and faster container turnaround time. In this article, we present a novel hierarchical framework that captures systematically the complexity in the decision-making process recognising its natural hierarchy (strategic, tactical and operational), the interdependencies among specific operations and the various forms of constraints including technological, spatial, temporal, monetary, and organisational as well as constraints imposed by the interests of various partners and customers of a port. We further emphasise and document the role of information technologies and management information systems solutions in implementing comprehensive policies.