Open Master Topics
Below you will find the current topic proposals of the Institute for master theses.
- If you require further (detailed) information on individual topics, please contact the supervising employee directly by e-mail or telephone. We are always open to constructive ideas for a possible adaptation of topics.
- Please also send your application for a specific topic directly to the supervising employee. The application documents should include a current curriculum vitae as well as your most important certificates and degrees.
Identifying Warm up and Cool down Phases in the Yard of Simulated Container Terminals
Seaports serve as a link between international and regional transport systems. When planning their construction or introducing major operational changes, simulation is often used as means to estimate their effects. One key aspect here is the expected yard occu-pancy. However, obtaining realistic operational data for simulations is often difficult due to confidentiality. To overcome this, ConFlowGen (https://github.com/1kastner/conflowgen) was developed, enabling the creation of synthetic yet realistic container flow scenarios using vessel schedules and further assumptions, such as the modal split and the ex-pected container dwell time. [more]
Detection and Classification of Small Vessels using Acoustic and Optical Data
Small vessels such as fishing boats, yachts, and recreational craft generate underwater radiated noise (URN), particularly in coastal and port areas. Unlike larger ships, these ves-sels are often difficult to detect because they typically lack AIS transmitters and have low radar cross sections. Integrating acoustic and optical data offers a promising solution for enhancing maritime situational awareness in scenarios involving small vessel activities. By combining underwater sound signatures with visual imagery, such approaches can help in passive detection and classification of small vessel activities effectively. [more]
Influence of terminal size on direct container handling
Container terminals are the hubs of global cargo flows. Containers are usually temporarily stored in the yard for transshipment between ships and trucks. Due to the increasing pressure to increase the speed of handling processes in the terminal, there are various approaches to process optimization. On the one hand, these relate to the coordination of processes within a terminal. On the other hand, there are methods for smoothing truck arrival rates. A new approach to process design is to handle containers directly between vessels and trucks at the quayside. This reduces the number of containers stored in the yard. [more]
Obstacle Avoidance in Cluttered Waterways for USVs
Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are increasingly deployed for inspection, monitoring, and autonomous transport in maritime and inland waterways. A key challenge is reliable obstacle avoidance in cluttered environments such as ports and canals. USVs are usually equipped with monocular cameras that can serve as an alternative to traditional distance measuring sensors such as Radar or LiDAR, which may be bulky and expensive. However, estimating distances from a monocular camera remains challenging. Recent advances in computer vision enable monocular distance estimation, enhancing real-time obstacle avoidance for USVs. [more]
Comparison of Container Slot Allocation Strategies for Export and Transshipment Containers at Container Terminals
Many goods exported from Germany are transported by sea. As a result, they also pass through at least one container terminal before being stowed on a vessel. This raises the question: How can container handling processes be further improved from the landside to the quayside of a container terminal? In the thesis, you investigate how containers can be positioned in the yard in a way that saves time and resources. Select two or more of the existing approaches from the scientific literature, implement them in a simulation model, and create a fair and insightful comparison. [more]
Optimization of Handling Processes Under Uncertainty
In the master thesis, a solution approach for the optimization of handling processes for container terminals in the hinterland is to be developed. For this purpose, methods from the fields of machine learning or operations research are to be applied. The developed solution shall be tested in the context of a research project. [more]
Development of a Classification Scheme for Automated Twistlock Handling Technologies in Container Handling
The aim of the thesis is to develop a classification scheme for automated twist lock handling (ATH) technologies available globally for container handling at ports. For this purpose, a systematic internet research, publication review, case studies and other maritime relevant sources should be identified and thoroughly studied. The impact of identified technologies on terminal process should also be highlighted within the thesis outcomes. [more]
Development and implementation of algorithms for positioning with the help of magnetic field anomalies
GPS interference is a fundamental problem of modern, digitized location determination. Alternative positioning approaches are therefore necessary. Due to their resilience to targeted disturbances, approaches based on natural phenomena are particularly noteworthy. A combination of several phenomena – such as the local magnetic field strength of the Earth and the measurement of relative motion – enables the development of precise positioning systems through mutual referencing. The necessary measurement accuracy, taking into account spatial boundary conditions, is achieved by a combination of inertial navigation systems and map comparison based on the Earth's magnetic field anomalies. The aim of the thesis is to develop and implement algorithms that enable positioning with the help of map-based methods and dead reckoning. It builds on existing programs for positioning with magnetic field anomalies in aviation and takes into account the conditions of maritime environments. [more]