BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Using the Port Process Simulator The main goal of the project is: To use the Port Process Simulator to mimic the layout and operations of any port. The generic simulation system, in the form of a shell, to be populated by the user, provides port authorities and port operators with a decision support tool. Daily operational and long term planning problems can be abstracted and investigated by simulating them under “what if conditions” by changing the physical resources allocated to them, including the layout of the port. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Expected results Once customized, the Port Process Simulator will depict both, geographic and user-defined features of the port. It simulates port logistics processes which result in Key Operational Performance Criteria, e.g.: – Cargo through-put for port and terminal. – Turn-around-times of vessels and land vehicles. – Time at the berth, and – Berth occupancy rate. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Approach: Simulation of port logistics processes The Port Process Simulator is a generic software system that can simulate the layout and operations of any port. The simulator takes its input in six major steps.  Cargo Flows.  Port Layout.  Cargo Handling Facilities.  Transportation Vehicles.  Transportation Modes.  Port Regulatory Environment. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Once the user has defined these parameters the software simulates the port processes. With its generic nature the software is readily adaptable to any specific port with an inclusion of, e.g. picture files of the approaches to the port and the layout of the terminal under consideration as illustrated for a sample port in the graphical user interface. Approach: Simulation of port logistics processes Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Graphical User Interface of PPS Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Advantages of the simulation approach Display and mimic the geographical and operational “status quo” of the port. Plan and make changes in the layout of terminals and in both, the maritime and land approaches or in the cargo handling equipment used. Simulate the operation of port logistics processes using the planned new layout and/or different equipment without interfering in the port’s operation. Identify and compare the effects of the changes on the port’s/terminal’s operational performance criteria. Knowing the effects of proposed changes prior to making very substantial investments. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator The Port Process Simulator considers the geographical entities of the port in the form of “extracts” from navigational charts, from engineering drawings or from a combination of both. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator The shell of the simulation system is populated by following the step by step process of a vessel approaching the port from sea. Starting with the approaches to the port and the courses to follow. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Following this sequence, the vessel engages pilots, tugs, manoeuvres, moores, discharges and/or loads cargoes and leaves. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Customisation of the shell of the Port Process Simulator is achieved by means of a very com- prehensive cascading menu system that is easy to understand and to use. Yet, it takes account of the complex nature of the combination of the sequential and stochastic activities that take place when operating a port or terminal and which are facilitated by, e.g. the layout of the port, its access, the cargo handling equipment and the storage facilities available. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator The cascading menu system Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator The drawing tool enables the user to sketch contours of, e.g. coast line, aquastructure, infrastructure, courses of vessels and routes taken by shore-based vehicles and, in the case of container or Ro-Ro terminals cargo handling Vehicles. Vessels and vehicles follow these “tracks”, and changing them, say in conjunction with a different terminal layout due to the use of alter- nate cargo handling equipment, will affect and Change the KPIs of the port or terminal. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator The drawing tool is complemented by User Interfaces. Whilst the drawing tool supports delineation of the port or terminal and its layout in plan view, user interfaces facilitate the selection of equipment and its customisation according to the requirements of the port and or terminal concerned. Equipment can be selected by activating the appropriate option offered. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator “Populating” a container terminal Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Simulation speed and duration are being selected using short cut keys similarly as for loading or saving a model. Alternatively, the cascading menu system can be used if preferred. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator THIS CAN BE DONE EITHER BY SELECTING FROM THE MENU OR BY JUST CLICKING ON THIS ICON Simulation Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Simulator output is gathered on an Excel Spreadsheet, ready for statistical analysis of key operational performance indicators (KPI) and their graphical presentation to ease understanding and offer an immediate indication of the effects of change in either port/terminal layout or equipment employed. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Port process simulator output Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Implementation This generic port process simulator permits the abstraction and presentation of real life processes as they occur in the course of freight transport logistics with particular reference to ports. The system uses standard simulation software in- stalled on a PC in conjunction with a MS Windows based operating system. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Its operation needs neither an IT department nor IT specialists to operate it. What it needs how- ever, is extensive knowledge of port operation. Due to this, it is particularly useful to small and medium sized ports. Implementation Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Benefits The presented approach to depict ports, terminals and the associated logistics processes related to port operation has been developed as a decision support and planning tool for port management and operation. As such it supports gathering and analysis of KPI, deepening of operational know- how, exploring of alternate port or terminal lay- out and equipment selection in both day-to-day operation and long term planning as well as investment decisions. Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre

BALTPORTS-IT - IST ____________________________________________________ The Port Process Simulator Further information For further information please contact a leader of the task team: Dr F A Schmidt, Senior Lecturer in Transport Technology, University of Ulster, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of the Built Environment, Shore Road, NEWTOWNABBEY BT37 0QB UK Phone: Fax: Baltic Sub-Regional Competence Centre