Modelling Support for Maritime Terminals Planning and Operation

The maritime terminal design process is a complex stepwise series of strategic decisions involving the engagement of a relevant amount of resources. In fact operating conditions near the maximum ca-pacity cause congestion effects with negative consequences on regularity and quality service. Therefore, in order to maximise its effectiveness, a strong need of methodological support is required. With this aim the authors developed different methods and models capable of supporting some of these decisions: a regressive method for preliminary dimensioning of harbour terminals and a sea-side operation combinatorial model for traffic analysis and capacity estimation. They are able to be integrated in a chain of models taking into account dimensions and manoeuvrability of ships, terminal morphology, handling equipment, storage areas, etc., with the aim to support the planning process and operational management.