Utilizing Amphibious AGVs to Optimize Container Transshipment for Deep Sea and Hinterland Operations
Abstract:
Transshipment is a key component of modern-day shipping logistics. Container supply chains rely on transhipment hubs to access remote locations. With globalization driving growth in container trade, maritime congestion is rising at container terminals in ports worldwide. This is expected to worsen as demand continues to grow. This research explores novel maritime equipment designs that can contribute to solving problems in the trans-shipment chain. One such idea is that of the Amphibious Automated Guided Vehicle, an innovative concept that travels on both land and sea. Envisioned as a tool to minimize the remanding of containers, the Amphibious AGV forms the heart of the new changes that this research proposes for the future of trans-shipment. Complementing swifter trans-shipment, the research also proposes complementary design concepts such as floating terminals to add more flexibility for container ships and Amphibious AGVs applied to exchange containers offshore. To validate these ideas, an agentbased modelling methodology was used and replicated in the environment of the Hong Kong- Pearl River Delta. This work, therefore, opens up an intriguing future scope for maritime transshipment that is both sustainable and adaptable while also discussing limitations and concerns that need to be carefully considered.
