Return to Case Studies

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?

Modelling 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 expenditure

Other Applications

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

Contact info@decisionmodelling.com for further information.

Key Modelling Technique: Discrete Event Simulation Modelling
Modelling Software Used: AnyLogic