A recent study published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering examines a critical issue in the coal export sector: the efficiency of ship-loading operations at coal terminals. Led by Qi Tian from the State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering at Dalian University of Technology, this research addresses the frequent equipment failures that plague coal handling operations, particularly in China’s coal export terminals.
As global demand for coal continues to rise, so too does the need for efficient coal export terminals. These facilities are essential nodes in the coal supply chain, responsible for storage, processing, and loading coal onto ships. However, the study highlights that poor working conditions and the fixed layout of handling equipment often lead to significant downtimes, which can account for over 20% of total handling operations at major ports like Huanghua Port in China.
To tackle this challenge, Tian and his team developed a scheduling optimization model that integrates equipment maintenance into the ship-loading process. Their approach employs a two-layer algorithm that not only optimizes the scheduling of loading operations but also determines the best maintenance plan for the equipment. The results are promising: the proposed method reduces the average dwell time of ships at the terminal by 15.8% and decreases total scheduling and maintenance costs by 10.3%.
This research is particularly relevant for terminal operators and stakeholders in the coal supply chain, as it presents a practical solution to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. “The proposed method can effectively reduce unnecessary equipment maintenance and decrease the waiting time of ships at the terminal caused by equipment maintenance,” said Tian. This statement underscores the commercial potential for coal export terminals to improve their operations and profitability through better maintenance scheduling.
The implications of this study extend beyond just coal terminals. Industries reliant on efficient logistics and supply chain management can benefit from similar optimization techniques. By integrating maintenance strategies into operational scheduling, businesses can ensure smoother operations, minimize delays, and ultimately enhance service delivery.
As the global dry bulk shipping market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated $547.971 billion by 2030, the findings from this research could play a vital role in shaping more efficient coal export operations. Future research may further explore the integration of berth allocation with ship-loading operations, potentially unlocking even greater efficiencies in terminal management.
Overall, this study not only addresses a pressing operational challenge in the coal export sector but also opens the door for broader applications in logistics and supply chain management across various industries.