Enhancing Port Logistics through Discrete Event Simulation: A Focus on Rail Operations

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the significant role that discrete-event simulation plays in enhancing port logistics, specifically focusing on rail operations within intermodal terminals. As ports continuously strive to improve their operational efficiency, the optimization of their system components, including the berth, yard, and interfaces with the hinterlands, such as the gate and the rail, became increasingly important. Discrete event simulation emerges as a pivotal tool in the planning and optimization processes, aiding in the development of new terminals and refinement of existing infrastructure.

Applying innovative tools like discrete event simulation, port planners are empowered to evaluate and design scenarios in a digital risk-free environment. This preemptive approach allows for the thorough testing of logistics and operational strategies prior to committing a substantial investment and initiating construction, thus significantly lowering the development risk. This paper presents our project experience in successfully utilizing simulation modeling techniques to study rail systems and intermodal yards in various regions, demonstrating simulation modeling capabilities across terminals of varying scales.

Focusing on rail planning, discrete event simulation offers a powerful enhancement to the port planners’ toolkit. It facilitates a detailed representation of the rail system’s operational dynamics in the deployment of a new or modified port system. By simulating the usage of rail tracks, the movement of trains across various terminal areas and stations, the intricate processing of indexing and interchanges, and the loading and unloading maneuvers of the trains, planners can accurately anticipate the outcomes of diverse rail operation scenarios. These processes, with their time and space requirements, are modeled with precision, and records of each operation can be captured at various instants in the simulation, then post-processed using sophisticated data analysis.

The paper presents several case studies for which dynamic simulation was used to support rail planning, highlighting its capabilities such as:
- Evaluating the port system’s throughput capacity, e.g., the number of trains that a port system can handle within a window of time, while assessing the resulting queues and delays.
- Determining the utilization rates of rail tracks for varied cargo handling operations.
- Establishing operation windows for new rail services working within the port and analyzing the impact on the rail network, rail yards, and existing train services in the system.
- Assessing the viability of rail schedules by considering punctuality, normal operations, delays, and disruptions.
- Comparing schedule configurations to understand the broader implications with regards to the entire rail network, including interchanges, crossing, connection and disconnection activities.
- Analyzing the interactions between port equipment and infrastructure, such as utilization of rail-mounted gantry cranes and rail yard buffer storage.

This paper demonstrates how a carefully crafted and executed discrete-event simulation model can serve as a valuable tool to assess and optimize port rail operations. It allows decision makers to evaluate operational improvements and make informed decisions, highlighting simulation modeling's pivotal role in planning and optimizing complex logistics and infrastructure within port environments.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: It introduces efficient planning and optimization of port logistics through discrete-event simulation, enhancing resource use and decision-making in port operations, particularly focusing on rail operations within intermodal terminals.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes, it leverages the state-of-art simulation for detailed planning and optimization in port logistics, representing a significant innovation in rail planning and operational strategy testing.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Modeling complex rail operations accurately was challenging. Success was ensured through expert collaboration, comprehensive data collection, and iterative model refinement.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Port and rail planners and engineers, logistics professionals, port authorities, and terminal operators.