Determining Surge Capacity and Maximizing Throughput by Integrating Landside Seaport Operations with Rail and Roadway

The authors present a methodology developed with agent based simulation modeling that integrates three primary components of the seaport landside freight logistics network. The methodology recognizes the dependency on vehicular flow and rail scheduling that limits capacity. Increased throughput can only be achieved when down stream components in the system are capable of managing increased demands from upstream components. A case study is presented that recognizes the dependencies and determines operational and resource alternatives that increase throughput without physical growth. A surge demand scenario determines additional resources and schedule changes to maximize achievable throughput with existing footprints.