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This paper addresses the question whether energy consumption variables and the disaggregation of output matter in the context of efficiency analysis of container terminals. While it is obvious that the energy consumption of refrigerated cargo is higher than the energy consumption of non-refrigerated cargo, this work investigates whether those differences show in an overall efficiency analysis of terminals. This would point to a potentially important input for efficiency measures, to be considered in future productivity and efficiency analysis of terminals. Starting with a discussion on theoretical concepts and variable selection for measuring the energy dimension of terminal efficiency, this is the first paper that applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) comparing results with and without energy consumption, as well as differentiating productive outputs (dry and reefer container handling). The results reveal how the output disaggregation leads to substantially different efficiency scores and are a first step to show the relevance of output disaggregation and the inclusion of the energy variables as inputs in container terminal efficiency studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational efficiency is crucial in the container terminal industry to reduce costs, increase throughput, enhance customer satisfaction, optimize the supply chain, improve safety, minimize environmental impact, and ensure adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and competitive market. The article aims to estimate operational efficiency for CTOs by the Slacks-Based Measures (SBM) model when considering CO2 emissions and work accidents as undesirable outputs. In doing so, this paper adopted the cluster analysis to select homogeneous CTOs acting as Decision-making Units (DMUs). CTOs in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port (the CMTV case) were then empirically studied to verify the validity of the suggested model. The results could have real-world applications for CTOs looking for managerial actions to boost operational efficiency and maintain high-quality growth. Additionally, the research model may provide an analytical reference for relevant port management applications. In particular, this study offers CTOs a scientific framework for evaluating the operational efficiency of CTOs located in a port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ITER WAVS (visible and infrared Wide Angle Viewing System) provides measurements of surface temperature for the plasma facing components by infrared thermography. One of its most important roles of WAVS is to protect the plasma facing components from damage. It also takes images of the plasma visible spectral range emission. The WAVS diagnostic consists of 15 views distributed in four equatorial ports (3, 9, 12 and 17), and it will contribute to Machine protection, Basic control and Physics analysis. The final design of the WAVS system in the equatorial port 12 (EP12) includes three lines of sight (LoS) that have to installed for ITER first plasma. This paper is focussed on the final design for the opto-mechanical ex-vessel components in equatorial port 12 (EP12). The most important function of the ex-vessel optics is to relay the image produced by the Port Plug optics at the vacuum window, up to the detectors placed at the backend of the optical chain in the Port Cell, while keeping the required performance. The image relays through the Interspace, Bioshield and Port Cell covers around 10 m in length before reaching the cameras. The ex-vessel optics is arranged in several optical modules, assembled on the EP12 support structures, i.e. Interspace Support Structure (ISS) and Port Cell Support Structure (PCSS). A detailed description of the opto-mechanical design that supports the optical modules, including the alignment capabilities, will be presented in the paper. Moreover, the assembly and alignment strategies planned for the ex-vessel subsystems, taking into account all constraints imposed on the site, are also described in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of sustainability and environmental conservation is on the rise, garnering increasing attention from customers, businesses, industries, and regulatory authorities. To foster sustainable manufacturing practices, this research paper presents a comprehensive framework that integrates synergistic elements such as rework strategies, green technology, and carbon control policies. Imperfect quality items are being considered in the model which are proposed to be dealt with a dual approach: either salvaging or reworking them. The study also investigates the impact of carbon control policies on the manufacturing industry, focusing on sustainability and the equilibrium between environmental protection and economic growth. These policies aim to regulate carbon emissions by imposing penalties or incentives, thus encouraging companies to adopt practices that reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, investing in green technology offers environmental benefits, cost savings, a competitive advantage, and regulatory compliance. It helps in carbon reduction through which organizations can assess their cleaner practices and environmental efforts. The objective of the developed model is to maximize the expected profit by optimizing selling price, green investment, and production quantity. Analysis of the numerical results of the proposed study is being provided to demonstrate its validity and reliability. Results demonstrated that the utilization of the rework process yields superior outcomes compared to the scenario without rework. A closer evaluation reveals that the limited carbon policy with the rework process leads to significantly diminished levels of carbon emissions and augmented profitability in contrast to alternative policies. Importantly, this approach exhibits a remarkable 2.13% higher economic efficiency and an impressive 37.10% greater adherence to environmentally sustainable practices, thus highly favoring the adoption of such strategies. Consequently, the manufacturing industry can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic growth and profitability through the implementation of carbon control policies and investment in green technology, particularly in conjunction with rework processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving the performance of marine terminals is one of the major concerns of both researchers and decision-makers in the maritime transportation sector. The problem of container storage planning and the berth allocation problem (BAP) are the two mainstays of optimizing port operations. Methods: In this work, we address these two issues, proposing two mathematical models that operate sequentially and are applicable to both static and dynamic cases. The first developed model is a mixed-integer linear problem model aimed at minimizing vessel traffic time in the port. The second model developed is a multi-objective optimization model based on goal programming (GP) to minimize both container transfer time and the number of storage areas (minimizing container dispersion). Results: The robustness of the proposed models has been proven through a benchmark with tests using data from the literature and real port data, based on the IBM ILOG CPLEX 12.5 solver. Conclusions: The two developed mathematical models allowed the both minimization of the transfer time and the number of used storage areas, whatever the number of operations handling companies (OHCs) operating in the seaport and for both static and dynamic cases. We propose, as prospects for this work, the development of a heuristic model to deal with the major instances relating to the case of large ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]