Container Yard Capacity Planning: A Casual Approach

In this paper an attempt has been made to develop a system dynamics model that account for flow of containers, their dwell times, type of equipments and constraints that determine the container yard capacity. The structure of the system is captured with the delays in capacity building and resultant impact on container yard capacity, investments and customer satisfaction. The paper identifies two governing loops. These loops explain the dynamics of yard capacity planning and enable identification of policy variables. The model shows that the policy decisions relate to enhancement of stacking area through right deployment of equipment; and minimization of dwell time through reduction of average stay at yard and faster shifting rate. The paper concludes that the faster rate of clearance can be achieved through right choice of the equipment. The paper focuses on need for timely information flow for proper planning leading to minimization of dwell time.