A discrete event simulation model for the analysis of critical factors in the expansion plan of a marine container terminal

In this paper we present a discrete event simulation model to approach the decision problems arising from an expansion plan of a marine container terminal. In particular the preliminary study herein presented starts from a collaboration with the Southern European Container Hub (SECH) sited in the Port of Genoa, Italy. The planned expansion will take place from 2010, the terminal area will enlarge, thus being capable of doubling the present TEU handling capacity. Due to the foreseen increase in the traffic volume, there is the need of defining new management policies, mainly related to the organization of the yard and quay sides of the terminal. The proposed simulation model, that has been implemented by the Witness software environment, can be used to analyse different scenarios, pertaining to possible changes of the import/export flows, handling techniques, different equipments and investment options as well as different operative rules for the berthing and storage area. © ECMS.