Optimization of container port storage area by genetic algorithm

In designing port facilities, the statistics for ship and cargo flow play an important role.Particulary in determining the lenght of berthing places of ships and size of cargo storage are,these statistics are analyzed by some numerical and optimization processes. While determiningthe size of storage area to be efficient, different kinds of of cargo should be taken into account.Empty or full containers affects port economics. By changing the daily storage cost ofcontainers, the size of storage area are also differentiated.The optimum storage area of a container port can be determined by using someconvensionel optimisation processes such as inventory method and queuing method. GeneticAlgorithm (GA) can also be used for this purpose. The aim of this study is to determineoptimally the number of containers to be stored at the port area. In this study firstly, thefundamentals of genetic algorithm introduced. They, the container statistics are gathered andevaluated according to the GA principles. Finally, the results obtained from the GA arecompared with those of the Monte-Carlo Simulation.ii