Plenary Talk by : Carles Catalán, Associate Partner, Avantsim.
Abstract : Simulation is a young and constantly evolving technique through which we can imitate the behavior of any real system. With this tool, which is becoming increasingly relevant and important in the analysis and improvement of systems, we can model very complex processes and simulate reality with all possible variables.
The simulation applied to the port environment allows us to build models that represent different elements of port and terminal operations (container, bulk cargo, cars…etc) in order to calculate the capacity, dimensions of the equipment and, consequently, optimize the terminals and to maximize its profit.
What benefits do we get through a dock extension? Is it advisable to invest in the purchase of a new crane? What is the best equipment for this terminal, What is the real need for transfer buffers? How many hours is the equipment employed? What is the dimension of space required for parking trucks, how many gates of customs, how many tugs, how many dockers ……. These are some of the questions, among many and more complex others, that the simulation system is able to solve in the virtual world before the changes are implemented in reality.
During my professional work I have been working with simulation models for more than a decade. My primary objective is to create models that accurately represent reality and the future of the terminals in order to provide multiple alternatives that offer the best solution to each of the problems we encounter.
When we deal with new terminals, the system allows us to calculate the capacities of the yard, the quayside and access; set dimensions of the terminal; calculate the machinery that is needed and project the ideal operating system according to the characteristics of the traffic and the environment of the terminal. At existing terminals, through simulation we conduct studies of specific elements such as the access, queues of trucks, reefer connections, parking space and the analysis of new requirements based on traffic forecasts. Our goal is the continuous improvement of the overall operational process.
The simulation plays the evolvement of different events based on initial established conditions. The result is a mathematical representation of reality, in which all the significant variables that reflect the new circumstances are defined. For example, the simulation would allow us to calculate the impact of having a contract with a new shipping line, which equipment needs it would cause, how it would affect the terminal as a whole, which berthing windows could be allocated...
The simulation allows economical and reliable changes in a safe environment which, if happened in reality, would imply a high cost, both time and economic. The simulation models represent the entire terminal or some parts of it, while taking into account all the variables of the terminal in order to identify the best solutions.
The transport and logistics sectors are areas of growing interest in simulation techniques. Most of the available tools are not sufficiently complete to solve the problems of coordinating the various factors involved in the handling, loading, discharge and transport of the cargo; factors that have a determining influence on the overall system performance.
In summary, the simulation tools are presently the ideal platform to successfully address the process of continuous improvement in the leading companies in our sector. Improvements to implement for the benefit of the port community members in the ports.
<![endif]>Carles Catalán is an Industrial Engineer with a wide experience in the management of international projects including the infrastructure and equipment of port facilities and railways, both in the design stage and in construction and maintenance.
Designer of Project Management methodologies at an international level with strategies for cost reduction and increasing value in the process and product. Skilled at managing teams across different work disciplines, orientated to achieving results while focusing on obtaining the maximum value of a project at optimum investment and running costs.
