Inter Terminal Transport at the Port of Rotterdam in 2030
Themes: Structural Engineering, Infrastructure & Mobility / Transport
Proof of principle
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
Container volumes transported through the Port of Rotterdam are expected to increase due to the construction of Maasvlakte 2. performance and competitiveness will, however, decrease without adequate measures due to intense congestion. Our research proposes an innovative inter terminal transport system to prevent this from happening.
How?
We develop demand scenario generation, mixed-integer mathematical optimization, and detailed discrete-event simulation techniques to determine what type and how many transport vehicles for inter terminal transport are required. We propose intelligent distributed control approaches for coordinating the operational actions of all vehicles, aiming for optimal transport system performance.
When?
Our research focuses on design of the inter terminal transport system of 2030. The tools developed during the project can, however, already impact the port's transport systems design from as early as 2016.
Dr. Rudy Negenborn