Agent-Based Simulation Analysis on the Effect of an LNG Terminal on a Port Transport System
摘要
A data-driven, agent-based model to simulate a port transport system affected by a LNG terminal is developed. A real case of Ningbo-Zhoushan Central Port Area is investigated by this model. The simulation results reveal that, if a LNG terminal embeds in the central port area, a LNG vessel in/out harbor will bring out a negative effect on the shipment timeliness. The effect on the development of the port and LNG terminal would be significant. Furthermore, the improvement countermeasures are provided based on the analysis. The simulation results show that the suggested measures could effectively reduce the effect on the LNG terminal and improve the navigation efficiency. It is demonstrated that the present agent-based model is capable of simulating the complex relationship of different vessels in a relatively complicated transport environment and can be further employed in other port transportation systems.