Planning and Simulation of Large-Scale Container Terminal Consolidation for Smart Port Initiatives

This paper presents the project team’s recent experience in providing planning and simulation services for a large-scale container terminal consolidation project that included a smart port initiative aimed to increase capacity and productivity, optimize resource usage, and reduce traffic congestion. A signature planning approach was applied to first clearly define the business case and, from there, to develop a balanced layout to match throughput capacity for the berth, yard, gate, and intermodal through careful planning and analysis, and, finally, to reconfigure the gate and the roads to achieve a smooth traffic flow. Dynamic simulation models were developed to analyze and evaluate terminal capacity, performance, and equipment needs for the consolidated terminals. Phase I construction of the project was completed in 2019 according to the developed plan, and the resulting consolidated terminal operation reflected improved terminal efficiency and a smoother traffic flow at terminal gates and circulation roads.