ROPAX: Exploring the Use of Simulation as Decision Support System

Several challenges of port/terminal and/or ferry company managers pertain to decisions for the justification of investments and concurrent operational tasks of roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) systems. This paper explores the possible uses of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques as a decision-support aid for a RoPax/RoRo system managers. A number of use cases are described and analyzed to inform possible desirable simulation capabilities allowing for resolution of management concerns related to operational and strategic levels. Different simulation methods and their integration in the context of RoPax/RoRo analysis are described. A description of development of a sample simulation model is used to facilitate better understanding of the possible solutions. The paper is mainly directed toward the exploration of RoPax/RoRo system to facilitate understanding of M&S techniques as a possible solution to multiple correlated concerns of stakeholders. The provided overview is based on the current state of the art of M&S and gives a look ahead at future solutions that M&S can facilitate. Index Terms — Port, simulation, RoPax, RoRo, simulation methods, multi-method, terminal operations, decision support system, short sea shipping (SSS)