Simulation and optimization for ship lock scheduling: a case study

摘要

This paper introduces a simulation and optimizationtool for ship lock scheduling capable of simulating the effectsof infrastructural changes upon traffic handling at a ship lockwith parallel chambers. Simulation parameters are determinedvia an analysis of historical data. The tool’s accuracy is ascertainedvia a simulation of the current operations at the lock.The effect of infrastructural changes upon traffic handling maythen be accurately assessed via new simulations. The downtimesof lock chambers due to canal drainage requirements,for example, represent a particularly interesting element ofthe simulation’s input. Optimization of traffic handling in thenew infrastructural environment is consequently performed toincrease the ship lock’s throughput and decrease passage timesfor ships. Results demonstrate the huge influence drainagepolicy has upon passage times, how optimizing the processresults in greatly improved lock traffic handling and finallyhow it is in lock proprietors’ best interest to seriously consideralternatives for chamber drainage downtimes.