Traffic Simulation of Houston Ship Channel for Assessing the Impact of Waterway Closures on Vessel Waiting Time

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.