Comparison of solution approaches for the train load planning problem in seaport terminals

In this paper the train load planning problem arising in a seaport container terminal is considered. This problem consists in determining the optimal assignment of containers to wagon slots in order to maximize the train utilization and, at the same time, to minimize unproductive operations in the terminal. Different solution approaches based on a mathematical programming model are compared. The solution procedures are satisfactory, both in terms of quality of the obtained solutions and for the computational times, and they can thus be included in a planning tool to be effectively used in real seaport terminals