A simulation model for the management and expansion of extended port terminal operations

Journal article

This study introduces a discrete event simulation model for the analysis of bulk carrier unloading and material transport, storage and discharge at Europe's largest alumina refinery, RUSAL Aughinish Alumina. With novel features such as the integration of additional unloading functionality, auxiliary infrastructure units, as well as efficient maintenance scheduling into the material processing chain, the model is used to predict and evaluate the performance gain in the port system in the context of long-term investment and planning scenarios. Promising strategic directions in terms of large scale performance indicators such as berth occupancy and costs have been identified.

Authors: Cimpeanu, R; Devine, M; O'Brien, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review
• Volume: 98
• Pages: 105-131
• Publication date: 2017-01-02
• Acceptance date: 2016-12-11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2016.12.005
• ISSN: 1366-5545
• Keywords: discrete event simulation model; marine terminal operation; infrastructure expansion; computing under uncertainty; strategic management