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.
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]
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]
Comparison of Sensor Transfer Learning Models in Electro-optical and Motion Sensors for Ocean Wave Height Determination
In your work you focus on the existing models of sensor transfer learning from electro-optical
sensors to motion sensors. You will compare the applicability of the models to the maritime domain and the use on board for the purpose of wave height determination. In the current literature, only singular sensor values have been considered so far, disregarding transfer learning. [more]
Consideration of the storage block when booking time slots for trucks at container terminals
Various mechanisms have been developed in different parts of the world to reduce emissi-ons and congestion in front of container terminals. In Europe and the USA, for example, so-called Truck Appointment Systems (TAS) have become established, whereby truck drivers must reserve a time slot in advance at the relevant container terminal for delivery. Up to now, this reservation has only regulated access to the terminal. Although this reduces con-gestion at the truck gate, it can still lead to congestion at the storage blocks, as their capa-city is not taken into account when booking. [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]
How reliably is a planned port call implemented?
Container shipping is subject to frequent delays. In order to get back on schedule, the shipping companies then operationally reschedule the journey and, e.g., skip ports. Using freely available sources, you analyze the extent of this phenomenon for selected ports over a period of several weeks. To do so, you access data from container shipping companies and authorities. [more]