Capacity analysis of ship-tugging operations in a large container port

Abstract

Abstract In this study, we deal with the simulation problem of ship-tugging operations in a large container port. First, we build a tugboat-service network using a directed graph, where the nodes consist of tugboat bases, anchorages, and berths while the arcs represent the directed links between nodes. Second, we develop a marine traffic simulation system, which can simulate maritime traffic conditions in restricted waters, such as large container ports and busy straits. The marine traffic simulation system is a customized system. Users are allowed to set their study areas and virtual traffic environment (such as traffic demand and network structure) at will. Finally, we conduct various simulations for a real tugboat-service network of Singapore Port, which includes one anchorage, one tugboat base, two berths, and two channels between the anchorage and berths. A detailed analysis of the tugging capacity is provided based on simulation results.