Abstract: In this paper we present a closed queueing network model for the gantry crane loading/unloading facility in container terminals.We use an approximate mean-value algorithm to evaluate the system performance in which the inter-arrivals cannot be a Poisson stream and the service time doesn't obey negative exponential distribution.The results from the simulation model show that the results from the queueing metwork analysis can support the decision about the optimal equipment allocation in container terminals.

Key words: container terminal, closed queueing networks, equipment allocation, loading/unloading facility