Optimizing Berth Allocation in the Port of Rades A Discrete Timetabling Approach

In this study, we will deal with a significant challenge arises in the operations along the seaside: The Berth Allocation Problem, focusing specifically on the Tunisian port of Rades. The purpose of this challenge is to guide arriving ships to free appropriate docking positions which match their characteristics in order to manage total wharf productivity. To tackle this real-world problem, we use an integer programming model. By drawing an innovative analogy not explored in the literature, connecting the berth allocation problem with university examination timetabling approaches. We shed light on the similarities, in this innovative framework, exams can be effectively treated as berths, and students can be likened to ships, where their duration of stay corresponds directly to the exam duration (timeslot). This provides a robust, conflict-free solution for one-week planning horizon, aiding the port in automatically resolving this task and boosting its productivity.