Simulation for policy evaluation, planning and decision support in an intermodal container terminal

Abstract

Different uses of a simulation tool in an intermodal container terminal are presented. Initially, the simulation model of the container terminal of La Spezia (LSCT) in Italy is described. Then it is shown its calibration and validation. The resulting model is used as a tool to validate alternative management policies, such as resource allocation and ship loading and unloading policies. The terminal management can use such policies for mid-term planning. Finally, the design of a decision support system to assist the management in real time decision making is discussed. INTRODUCTION The advent of management information services and data processing greatly improved the ability of terminal managers to control the whole process, but still raw data has to be analyzed and treated to provide some insight on the performance of terminal operations. Simulation models and Operations Research techniques have proven to be a reliable and convenient tool to support the decision-makers in the daily o...