Smarter Scheduling in Yards for Cleaner Ports

Ports are electrifying yard equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but full electrification takes years due to investment costs and grid supply capacity. During this transition, ports operate mixed fleets of diesel, hybrid, and electric yard cranes. Managing these cranes efficiently is essential for reducing energy use and costs, emissions, and congestion. This research outlines how improvements in modelling algorithms can optimise crane scheduling during phased upgrades to lower both emissions and costs.