Guidelines for Full Length Paper for TRANSTECH 2015 at TMI, Induri, Pune

An integrated rule based heuristic approach for optimization

of container stowage on seaport terminals using machine
learning

Prasad Pandea, Nishant Pandeyb and Anmol Singh Dadialc

a
Replace this text with authors' affiliations (email addresses)
Continue Here if needed (Do not write designation or title.).
b
If more than one affiliation is needed, they should be indicated by superscript
letters, a, b, c, etc. as shown above

Abstract: One of the most pressing issues in the maritime sector revolves around the efficient relocation of containerized cargo
within seaport terminals. Even minor adjustments in cargo processing procedures can yield remarkable outcomes, including
substantial cost savings and a noteworthy reduction in carbon emissions. This paper aims at providing an optimized container
stowage plan using machine learning and “rule-based heuristic algorithm”, considering factors like the intended port of
discharge, weight of containers, space available on the terminal, the desired transfer rate of containers, and the type of container
in use.
Keywords: Heuristic algorithm, Machine Learning, POD, Carbon Footprint

1. Introduction
Containers revolutionized the international sea freight mar- ket nearly fifty years ago, introducing a unit-load concept
that has since gained widespread acceptance. These standardized, uniform boxes have become the cornerstone of
efficient cargo handling, eliminating the need for unpacking at each transfer point. The containerization trend has only
grown stronger due to its numerous advantages, such as protection against weather and theft, simplified scheduling,
and improved cargo control. When discussing containers, a common reference is the standard container, measuring
twenty feet (20’) in length. Other containers are often measured in twenty feet equivalent units (TEU), with properties
like weight, special handling requirements (e.g., for reefer or oversized containers), and other specifications outlined as
needed. The positive forecast for container freight transportation suggests a continued up- ward trajectory in the future.
This surge in container shipments places higher demands on seaport container terminals, logistics, management, and
technical equipment. The resulting increased competition among seaports emphasizes the importance of success
factors such as transshipment time, loading and discharging rates, and overall operational efficiency. The rapid turnover
of containers becomes a crucial competitive advantage, minimizing the time ships spend at berths and reducing transshipment
costs. The containerization trend has transformed the landscape of international sea freight, em phasizing efficiency,
standardization, and rapid cargo turnover as key drivers in the highly competitive market of container seaports. Container
turnover at major seaport terminals has experienced substantial growth, as demonstrated by Figure 1, depicting the container
turnover for the ten largest terminals from 2017 to 2021.

FIGURE 1. You should put a caption with Times New Roman (9 pt font size). No full stop after caption, if not a full sentence.
Keep one line space between figure and the caption and one space above and below the (figure-caption combination).

2. Main work
 All the sections will have similar style. Subsection heading will be of font size 12.
2.1 Tables
There should be one line spacing above and below the table. No need to provide grid lines.

TABLE 1. This is the Style for Table Captions. All text should be 9- pt. The text “TABLE 1” which labels the
caption should be bold and capital. Center this text above the Table. Tables should have top and bottom rules,
and a rule separating the column heads from the rest of the table only.
Column Header Goes Here Column Header Goes Here Column Header Goes Here
Row Name Here x X
Row Name Here x X
Row Name Here x X

2.2 Equations
All the equations should be numbered and centered. Example is shown below:

 Cd 
 f   0  1
K
(1)
 
A
  d
 All the variables in the equation should be in italics. The variables should be explained at their first use. Like, in
Eq. (1), d is the grain diameter.

2.3 How to cite equations, tables, figures and reference in main text
There should not be any non-referred equation, table, figure and reference. In this sample paper, Eq. (1), Fig. 1
and Table 1 have been presented. Arrange the references alphabetically and cite by the authors name and year.
Here, a sample reference
list is provided.

2.4 Margins
Top margin is 1.2 inch, left 1.5 right, top and bottom: 1 inch
2.5 Page length
Approximately about 3500 words

3. Conclusions
Here only broad guidelines have been provided. Please use your own judgment for minor formatting details.
The format should be consistent and the paper should be free of errors.

Acknowledgments
The reference section will follow the “Acknowledgment”. References should follow the format as indicated in
the below examples. All the references should be cited in the text. The font size should be 9 pt for references.

References
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Dr Nitin Junnarkar, and Prof Mahaja (2008), Modeling of Metal Forming and Machining Processes by Finite Element and Soft Computing
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Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 121, pp.6976.
Gudur, P.P. and Dixit, U.S. (2008), A neural network-assisted finite element analysis of cold flat rolling, Engineering
Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Vol. 21, , pp. 4352.
Joshi, S.N. and Pande, S.S. (2010), Development and validation of an intelligent process model for EDM, Proceedings of 3rd
International and 24th All India Manufacturing Technology, Design and Research Conference, December 1315, 2010,
Visakahapatnam.
Veera Babu, K., Ganesh Narayanan, R. and Saravana Kumar, G. (2009), An expert system based on artificial neural network
for predicting the tensile behavior of tailor welded blanks, Expert Systems with Applications, Vol. 36, pp. 1068310695.