For the layout problem of ground locking stations considering the front and rear buffers，we propose a dynamic layout strategy of locking stations based on the traditional plan of fixed locking station layout，which can dynamically adjust the number and position of locking stations according to the size of ships to adapt to the operation requirements. On the basis of analyzing the process of unlocking containers in automated terminals，we use the software AnyLogic to build a simulation model for the dynamic layout of ground locking stations considering the front and rear buffers，and use the system operation efficiency，equipment occupancy rate，and buffer queue length as the measurement indicators to evaluate the actual performance of the dynamic layout strategy of locking stations. The results reveal that compared with the traditional fixed layout of locking stations，the dynamic layout of ground locking stations can balance the load of each lock station and the average queue length of buffers，and the system operation efficiency is increased by about 14.6%. The dynamic layout of lock stations can improve the overall utilization rate of locking stations and meet the requirements of loading and unloading ships and horizontal transportation operation.