Intermodal container flows in a port system network: analysis of possible growths via simulation models

We present a discrete event simulation modelling approach related to the logistic chain as a whole in the northwestern Italian port system. We analyse the potentiality of the system by giving particular attention to the land transport and the modal split re-equilibrium with the aim of evaluating a possible future growth of the container flows. Some simulation models are analysed for highlighting both features and problems of the logistic activities of the intermodal network. In particular, the first experiment is performed according to the present configuration for validating the model itself and setting the parameters; successive models are developed for evaluating possible different scenarios of the land infrastructures in a 2012 vision