Manual Procedures for Estimating Marine Terminal Throughput. Part 1. Review, Derivations, and Procedures

Abstract

Abstract : A methodology was developed for determining and predicting the cargo throughput capability of marine terminals. It systematizes the input factors into mathematical expressions with which one can manually calculate cargo throughput rates. The methodology enabled planners and engineers to estimate marine terminal capability (port capacity) for four types of cargo: break-bulk, containerized, roll-on/roll-off, and LASH/SEABEE barges. The procedure used for estimating capability is the weak-link analysis, in which each basic subsystem in a port is analyzed separately to determine its cargo throughput capability. The subsystem having the least capability is the weak link, and the output of the port system as a whole can be no greater than that of this weak link. Example problems are shown, with detailed calculations, for marine terminal operations with the four different types of cargo mentioned above. Also, an example is shown wherein analysis is made of combined operations. The developed procedure is applicable either for loading ships in CONUS or for unloading ships at overseas ports.