Simulation technology in planning, implementation and operation of container terminals

Abstract

During the last 50 years simulation technology found its way from technical applications to the logistics. Due to the demand of high productivity and automation as well as increasing vessel sizes, special computer systems for simulation and emulation have been developed for container terminals. Nowadays all change and innovation processes regarding terminal structures and operation may be accompanied by means of simulation and emulation. Although the current worldwide economic crisis entails uncertainty it also provides the opportunity to improve actual planning procedures as well as operations processes. A holistic approach of using means of simulation or emulation in the field of planning, implementation and operation of container terminals is introduced in the following to explain the possible range of application from global to detailed analysis and optimization. In this respect it will be emphasized that the terminal operator himself will be enabled to use these tools without being a simulation specialist. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.