Traffic Simulation of Houston Ship Channel for Assessing the Impact of Waterway Closures on Vessel Waiting Time
Publication: Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 4
Abstract
In this study, a model was developed to simulate waterway operations in the Houston Ship Channel to estimate vessel waiting time during waterway closures and to determine the optimal closure scenarios. The model allows the decision makers to evaluate and to compare different closure scenarios, and select the one with minimum waiting time. Two years’ of vessel traffic data were analyzed to provide the model input parameters, such as vessel arrival rates, demand at each terminal, loading/unloading process times, and travel time to the destination terminal. Multiple daytime and nighttime closure scenarios for a construction project were evaluated based on the simulation model and recommendations were made based on the results. Results were extended to determine the effect of closures on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers with daylight navigation restriction.
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Acknowledgments
This work is supported by HCTRA and Lamar University Center for Advances in Port Management (CAPM). The authors greatly appreciate Captain J.J. Plunkett and Kyle Doughty from Houston Pilots for providing the data and their constructive feedback and comments throughout the development of this paper.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 4 • July 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 4, 2018
Accepted: Dec 17, 2018
Published online: May 1, 2019
Published in print: Jul 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Oct 1, 2019
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