An agent-based simulation on navigational capacity of multi-bridge waterways

Abstract

Multi-bridge waterways of river can cause the navigational bottleneck phenomenon because of the decreased passing efficiency and the increased ship risk. The navigational capacity calculation not only makes benefits to deck officers in operating safely and efficiently but also assists supervisors in the maritime traffic organizing. An agent-based simulation is proposed to evaluate the navigational capacity of multi-bridge waterways in Wuhan. Automatic Identification System data are collected to characterize the maritime traffic of multi-bridge waterways. The Monte Carlo methods are used to generate agents, while the needed random numbers in terms of ship type, length, width, speed over ground and arrival time are generated according to the estimated parameters. Seven behaviour strategies of the agent are made based on the real operation requirements of multi-bridge waterways. The proposed agent-based simulation is validated by the real sectional maritime traffic volume data. Simulation results show that, under the current navigational conditions, the navigational capacity of the investigated multi-bridge waterways in middle season is approximately 1512 ships (597 upstream ships and 915 downstream ships) per day. In addition, the increase in speed over ground can improve the navigational capacity and facilitate the capacity utilization.