Turning Basin Terminal Optimization Study

Abstract: Port Houston is focused on improving its multipurpose cargo terminal properties primarily in the Turning Basin area through optimization of port assets. These facilities handle Port Houston’s steel, iron, roll-on/roll-off (RORO), wind turbine and dry bulk cargoes.
The primary objective of the project involved considering general cargo operations for Port Houston’s terminals at Turning Basin, Woodhouse, the Beltway 8 area and Jacintoport; establishing storage demand for facilities as a function of overall volume; identifying ways to optimize the use of Port’s general cargo properties to increase land use and goods movement efficiency; identifying potential port uses for undeveloped Port land to service future cargo volumes; and establishing a range of forward development paths for the Port tied to potential long-term cargoes.
The approach involved intense data analysis, site investigation, stakeholder engagement, and goods movement modelling. The planning followed an iterative process of land use changes, alternative development to optimize land and goods movement efficiency, refinement of identified favored path, and recommended improvements to accommodate alternative cargo demand scenarios. Alternative development considered three projected scenarios for each major cargo segment: high, medium, and low. Key stakeholders, including terminal operators, stevedores and tenants, were interviewed to understand key operations, infrastructure requirements and property use.
The key aspect of the project was development of a General Cargo Demand Model (GCDM) that estimated peak and varying demand on the terminal’s berth/apron and leased storage areas for major commodity movements, under historic peak and current conditions. A Port Land Use Model (PLUM) was created to map out all operational land uses in the terminal differentiating storage areas, vacant areas, building footprints, unpaved areas, access road and rail footprints, and unusable areas. At each stage of the planning process, Port Houston’s leadership was engaged to critique the work; identify refinements and improvements; clarify opportunities and constraints; provide historic, cultural and commercial context; and winnow and expand the alternatives.
The paper will demonstrate how use of advanced tools, the right project approach and continuous client interaction can help perform detailed planning and analysis for general cargo terminals and address the path forward to accommodate cargo demand scenarios.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: For the majority of the time, large planning studies are focused on container handling facilities and non-container cargoes do not get considerable attention. Due to this and non-standard nature of general cargo, very few modeling techniques exist. The General Cargo Demand Model (GCDM) and Port Land Use Model (PLUM) used in this project try to bridge this gap and provide the clients and planning consultants with new tools.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes. The GCDM created as part of this project can estimate peak and varying inventory for all general cargoes. This new technique assisted in estimating cargo inventory and storage area requirements for future demand scenarios.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The most challenging part of the project was to develop an existing conditions layout for all the docks and storage areas. There were no drawings available for existing conditions due to the fluid nature of general cargo. A Port Land Use Model (PLUM) was created that plots all the existing conditions and was also used for developing future scenarios.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The target audience for this paper will be Port Authorities, Terminal Operators, as well as Industry Consultants. This paper will also provide young professionals and students the opportunity to learn about new modelling techniques for non-container cargo.