Complex channel networks are characterized by long navigation distances, multiple entry/exit points, diverse navigation segments and routes, and varying navigation classification levels. These features substantially increase the difficulty of vessel entry and departure scheduling in ports. A simulation-optimization framework was proposed to jointly optimize route selection and sequence scheduling decisions for inbound and outbound vessels. Specifically, the discrete-event and agent-based simulation model simulated vessel movements in complex channel networks under multiple navigation constraints, including one-/two-way traffic regulations, tidal windows, safety separation requirements, and night-navigation restrictions. The simulation dynamically resolved traffic conflicts and interactive vessel behaviors (e.g., head-on encounters, collision avoidance, and waiting), and output time stamps of key operational stages for each vessel, thereby providing a reliable basis for schedule evaluation and subsequent optimization. In the optimization module, an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) incorporating the Metropolis acceptance criterion from simulated annealing was employed. The objective was to minimize the total waiting time of all vessels in the port. By iteratively interacting with the simulation model, a closed-loop “simulation-optimization” procedure was formed to continuously refine scheduling solutions. Computational experiments demonstrate that the proposed simulation model can effectively reproduce the full vessel entry-departure process in complex channel networks and rigorously accommodate complicated navigation constraints. Compared with conventional genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, the IGA achieves significantly better convergence speed and solution quality, with more pronounced advantages in high-traffic scenarios where scheduling conflicts occur frequently. Overall, the proposed approach provides a robust theoretical basis to support scientific decision-making for vessel scheduling in ports with complex channel networks.
TANG Guo-lei, GUO Yan-xin, LIU Xiang-yu, WU Qing-yi, SU Zhi-peng, LI Meng-xin.
Simulation-based Optimization of Vessel Entry and Departure Scheduling in the Complex Waterway Network[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(28): 12372-12381 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2600208
显然,${t}_{i}^{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{t}}、{t}_{j}^{\mathrm{f}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}、{t}_{j}^{\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{p}}、{t}_{is}^{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}}$和${t}_{js}^{\mathrm{o}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{S}}$是求解优化模型的关键变量。考虑到调度问题在时空耦合、规则约束和动态交互的复杂性,提出通过船舶进出港作业仿真模型(simulation model for vessel entry and departure operations,SM-VEDO)捕捉船舶进出港冲突,模拟船舶进出港作业以及船舶状态由Iin、IinW和Iber向Iout的动态转化,有效处理式(2)~式(19),进而确定${t}_{i}^{\mathrm{e}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{t}}、{t}_{j}^{\mathrm{f}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}}、{t}_{j}^{\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{p}}、{t}_{is}^{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{S}}$和${t}_{js}^{\mathrm{o}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{S}}$,为确定目标函数提供数据支持。
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