Integrated Rescheduling Optimization of Vessel Sequencing and Berth Allocation Under Vessel Delay Impacts

To address the disruption caused by vessel delays to the port’s initial operation plan, this study investigates the integrated rescheduling optimization of vessel sequencing and berth allocation under vessel delay impacts. Focusing on a port with a one-way channel, a rolling decision-making mechanism is designed to identify rescheduling points. The model accounts for the priority differences among various vessel types and integrates combined strategies such as berth reallocation, Normal Berth Shifting (NBS), Cross-Terminal Berth Shifting (CTBS), and Cargo Discharge-Only (CDO). To minimize total rescheduling costs, an integer linear programming model is developed, and an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) algorithm is designed to solve it. The model outputs include the optimized vessel sequencing and berth allocation within a fixed planning horizon, as well as the optimal combined strategies for suitable vessels. Multiple case studies verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework and the superiority of the algorithm. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is conducted based on the number and duration of delayed vessels, as well as the proportion of international feeder vessels among the delayed ones. The results provide valuable decision support for ports in mitigating the impacts of vessel delays.