Port Logistics Optimization Model Study

The current situation characterized by the fierce competition between the various ports and the need to maximize their yields, pushes all the port stakeholders and mainly the port authorities, shipping companies and terminal operators..., to think about the design and the development of a policy of scheduling and priority management of vessels movements at the port. This project aim to give a prediction regarding the congestion period in order to reduce the waiting time (operational loss) of vessels during their stay at the port, increase traffic and port competitiveness, and lead to higher revenues, by keeping optimal level of customer satisfaction. This project took place at the planning service of vessel call in the port Tanger Med into the company “Tanger Med Port Authority” and the present report summarizes the conducted work and the methodology behind. The aim of this research consists of developing a system able to give forecasts on the periods of congestion of vessel harbour moves, in order to make a strategic decision and to optimize vessels calls productivity. The objective is to elaborate a system, which contains all the aspects of the activity and the operational process, by choosing the most relevant KPI that perfectly represent port vessels moves congestion. First, we had to conduct an analysis to identify the causes of delay that affect the most the global performance. Moreover, we had to identify all the aspects and indicators that should describe the situation of congestion and port operations. Then, the development of the system to give forecasts on the periods of congestion. In addition, this research depends on a number of criteria and variables such as: Port configuration, vessel type and characteristic, quay availability, meteorological conditions as well as the availability of the access channel and harbour basin, as well as the concept of safety, which remains an essential element throughout the process of making vessels calls.