A simulation model for decision support in Ro-Ro terminal operations

Abstract

Due to its convenience for integrating land and marine transportation roll on/roll off (Ro-Ro) ships are very important for offering smooth and flexible services required by the modern world of trade. Ro-Ro ships are able to load trucks or trailer directly via their ramps, thus no lifting equipment is necessary. A lot of seaports are equipped with necessary ramps to facilitate Ro-Ro ships. On the other hand, literature related to Ro-Ro terminal operations is scarce. Thus, this study aims to develop a simulation model for Ro-Ro terminal operations in order to provide a means for better decision making and resource allocation. The model is tested by using the data from a Ro-Ro terminal in Turkey. As a result, it was discovered that the maximum utilisation rate of one of the waiting areas exceeded its capacity, which shows that the model could be a useful tool in order to identify possible bottlenecks for the Ro-Ro terminal operations.