Optimal Ship Channel Closure Scheduling for a Bridge Construction

摘要

A methodology will be presented for a temporary closure scheduling of a ship channel in order to construct a new bridge over the channel. A poor closure scheduling can cause a substantial loss in revenue for both port authorities and vessels. In this study, we will first analyze historical data for a good estimation of vessels' traffic and shipping inside the channel, next we will develop a discrete-event simulation model using ARENA software to simulate the traffic and queue in the ship channel, under different closure scenarios. Constraints will be considered for the working rules of the channel such as daylight restrictions and combined beam rules. Finally, simulation results will be presented for number of the ships affected and also for the total ship time lost as a result of closures, and accordingly, the optimal channel closure schedule will be determined. Besides, policies would be recommended to the port authorities to substitute the current first come, first serve policy.