A Simulation Model for Container Ships Scheduling in Qinzhou Port under Seamless Connection Mode

Abstract

Qinzhou Port in China is witnessing a continuous increase in visiting ships, especially container ships. This results in the increase of ship waiting time, and enhancing the handling efficiency for container ships becomes urgent. Motivated by the existing research on ship scheduling using simulation technologies, the objective of this study is performing a quantitative evaluation on the effectiveness of the novel scheduling approach for container ships. Qinzhou Port Authority is considering using the seamless-connection scheduling mode. A simulation model is constructed on the whole process of container ships arriving at and leaving the port under the existing and seamless-connection modes, which can support managers in making decisions. The results indicate that the seamless-connection scheduling mode can reduce the average wait time from 5.6 to 3.3 h in the present situation. Moreover, the upper bound of the berth occupation rate can be enhanced from around 85% to 92% by seamless-connection mode compared with the existing scheduling mode, and the average wait time can be restrained within the acceptable level. Although the seamless-connection mode needs more investment to guarantee safety, the results are valuable for port authorities to make a cost-benefit evaluation in the future.