Optimally solving multi-objective co-scheduling of lock group and approach channel with dynamic synchronous speeds

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Three Gorges-Gezhou Dams (TGGD) represents the world’s most complex inland navigation system, where efficient and sustainable lock and channel operations are of critical importance. This study proposes a novel green co-scheduling problem of lock group and approach channel. In it, we consider key operational and navigational constraints such as dynamic synchronous speeds, ship placement, vessel freeboard height as well as maneuvering capability. A mixed-integer programming model is formulated to simultaneously optimize water resource utilization, ordered weighed averaging of waiting time and total carbon emissions of vessels, thereby balancing operational efficiency with environmental sustainability. To address this multi-objective problem, a well-tailored multi-objective intelligent scheduling method (MOISM) is developed, incorporating fuzzy relative entropy analysis and differential evolution. The method employs a dual-chain encoding scheme, a three-stage dynamic decoding approach and a modified bottleneck elimination mechanism to ensure feasible and high-quality solutions. Extensive experiments based on real-world TGGD data validate the superiority and adaptability of MOISM in dealing with the studied problem. This work contributes a new integrated optimization framework, an efficient customized algorithm, and practical insights for enhancing both efficiency and sustainability in large-scale inland waterway operations.