Title: Application of job-shop scheduling for harbour operation optimisation

Authors: Pamela Ramos; Werner Soares; Lucas Lima; Hans Vangheluwe

Addresses: Departamento de Administração, CCSA, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil ' Departamento de Engenharia de Produção, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil ' Departamento de Computação, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil ' University of Antwerp – Flanders Make, Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract: This paper presents an optimised approach to scheduling tugboats for an outsourced port company in Europe's second-largest seaport. Using allowed data from 2022, we developed a one-day operational scenario for harbour activities. By implementing an integer programming model with OR-Tools, tugboat operators can improve their scheduling processes, ensuring more efficient resource utilisation. We recommend adopting a mathematical model to address the job-shop scheduling problem, considering the critical factors relevant to Belgian harbour operations. A genetic algorithm was also employed as an alternative method to solve the issue under the specific conditions studied. The proposed model provides the port with a structured process to meet its operational needs. These methods demonstrate that tugboat scheduling decisions can be optimised efficiently and may serve as a reference for other ports and organisations facing similar operational challenges.

Keywords: job-shop scheduling; operational research tools; genetic algorithm; optimisation; harbour.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.154265

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2026 Vol.22 No.4, pp.509 - 524

Received: 15 Apr 2025
Accepted: 17 Dec 2025
Published online: 18 Jun 2026 *

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