Title: Innovative solutions based on modelling and simulation for supporting decisions makers in maritime logistics

Authors: Agostino Bruzzone; Enrico Bocca

Addresses: DIME University of Genoa, via Opera Pia 15, 16145 Genoa, Italy. ' MAST srl, via A. Magliotto 2, 17100 Savona, Italy

Abstract: The research proposes a new approach based on modelling and simulation to support decision making in marine logistics. The aim is to identify innovative and effective solutions for maritime logistics problems with a particular focus on petrochemical industries, where different production sites need exchange intermediate products by marine lines So, the authors propose a simulation model, named maritime logistic network (MARLON) which is combined together with additional simulators, developed by the authors, in order to support decision makers in maritime logistics. The authors present MARLON features, functions and architecture. In addition, in order to validate the model, it is provided an experimental analysis on a specific case study. This paper presents even benefits and advantages of the simulation use in term of resources, time and costs; as matter of fact, the authors define an algebraic equation for the evaluation of savings, in term of monetary value, by using simulation.

Keywords: decision support systems; DSS; simulation; petrochemical plants; marine logistics; modelling; maritime logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPSCM.2012.050394

International Journal of Business Performance and Supply Chain Modelling, 2012 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.333 - 358

Published online: 11 Aug 2014 *

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