Fuel consumption within cargo operations at the port industry - A simulation analysis on the case of s port company in the UK -

Abstract

The principal objective of this study is to analyze the consumption of fuel in the port industry, in order to identify some possible solutions or improvements that might reduce costs. The increment of the total operation costs, and especially fuel, has affected company profits; thus, this study focused on improving the utilization of internal vehicles, reducing transportation time, and changing people skills, in order to achieve maximum savings. To fill this gap, we attempt to establish efficient simulation models using the Witness software in order to identify the optimal scenarios for the optimization of port operations and the maximal reduction of travelled distances. This research is largely concerned with four improvements: (1) the empty container park process, (2) the new operation pads, (3) driving skills, and (4) the heavy lift zone's position. Copyright © 2012, The Korean Association of Shipping and Logistics, Inc.