A Simulation Tool to Forecast the Behaviour of a New Smart Pre-Gate at the Sines Container Terminal

Raquel Gil Pereira, Rui Borges Lopes, Ana Martins, Bernardo Macedo and Leonor Teixeira ()
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Raquel Gil Pereira: Center for Research & Development in Mathematics and Applications (CIDMA), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Rui Borges Lopes: Center for Research & Development in Mathematics and Applications (CIDMA), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Ana Martins: Administração dos Portos de Sines e do Algarve (APS), 7521-953 Sines, Portugal
Bernardo Macedo: EGAPI—Equipamentos de Gestão para Aplicações Industriais, 4710-412 Braga, Portugal
Leonor Teixeira: Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory (LASI), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), Institute of Electronics and Informatics Engineering of Aveiro (IEETA), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-29

Abstract: Intelligent logistical systems are crucial for adapting to technological advancements and global supply chains, particularly at seaports. Automation can maximize port efficiency and adapt to changing circumstances, but port digitalisation is challenging due to the various parties and information flows involved. The port of Sines in Portugal is undergoing a digital transformation, specifically about the Smart Gate concept. The port administration and partners have developed a pre-gate, which is being examined for operations, technologies, and information models. This work uses simulation to analyse the pre-gate model dynamically. The discrete-event simulation model, using Anylogic software (version 8.9.0), forecasts possible problems and predicts pre-gate behaviour, facilitating ongoing enhancement of pre-gate procedures. The considered scenarios vary in two factors: the processing time at the bottleneck process and the number of active lanes at the same point. Four of the twenty tested alternatives were identified as balanced. Results allow drawing conclusions on the number of lanes to be open to prevent congestion, particularly when processing times increase. The study highlights the benefits of simulating complex systems to improve operations. Future work could involve adjusting parameters, incorporating advanced optimisation techniques, and expanding evaluated metrics. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable digital twin for the port.

Keywords: port logistics; container terminal; smart gate; truck congestion; simulation; Anylogic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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