Parallel simulation-based optimization on block planning of container terminals

Simulation is an effective means when solving the design and operation problems in modern container terminals. Applying object-oriented discrete event system simulation method, and analyzing the technological process of loading and unloading as well as the operational management in modem container terminals, a simulation model which can describe the whole operation system of container terminals is constructed. To solve the block planning problem of container terminals, the simulation-based optimization (SBO) method is proposed. The parallel computing technology which is realized by MPI is introduced to the solving process, and the computational time and computational cost of SBO are reduced effectively.