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]
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]
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]
Simulation based Optimization of Truck Appointment Systems at Container Terminals
To reduce emissions and congestion at container terminals, truck appointment systems (TAS) have become widely used, requiring truck drivers to reserve a time slot in advance at the rel-evant container terminal for delivery. TAS must be configured differently depending on the characteristics of the container terminal and port. Simulation-based optimization can provide support in this process.
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