Context
A port authority was facing the following issues:
- the port was utilised by multiple clients and a total of 16 products passed through the port
- the shipped tonnage of all products from the port was expected to increase by 80% in the next 5 years
- there were multiple upgrade options available (eg. creation of new berths, relocation of existing, dredging)
Key decision to be made: How much additional product could be exported without upgrading the port?
Modeling Approach
Evans & Peck utilised a discrete event simulation modelling approach to map the port operations for a single berth.
Key benefits of the modelling tool developed include:
- the port authority was provided with a tool to manage the first steps along the upgrade path
- delays in port operations were identified which provided management with options for increasing production beyond current limits without capital expenditur.
The same decision modelling method can be applied to:
- Analysis of efficiencies in logistical operations such as transport of products from mines by road or rail to a port
- Analysis of production scheduling in manufacturing and processing industries