A simulation model for managing port operations

The objective of this study is to create a simulation tool that involves the development and the management of the entire port infrastructure, using historical and real-time data, working with design and operating scenarios. Such infrastructures are characterized by several, different activities, often in overlap in space and time, involving critical issues about terminals capacity and reliability of ships scheduling. Such issues are growing for importance due to the combined effect of the increasing level of freight and the increasing difficulties in medium and long term investment projects. The simulation model has been realized with a discrete-event approach using the software ARENA and a tool for a graphic user interface, implemented in the C# language. The model has been implemented to simulate the activities in Civitavecchia, a multipurpose port, using real world data