Analysis and control of maritime transit traffic through the İstanbul Channel: a simulation approach

This study involves a functional simulation model for the maritime transit traffic in the İstanbul Channel that investigates the Channel Traffic Rules and Regulations, vessel types, cargo characteristics, meteorological and geographical conditions, pilotage and tugboat services. The simulation model mainly focuses on the transit traffic in the Channel. This study provides a platform to analyze the effects of factors such as Rules and Regulations, number of tugboats and pilots, vessel type, traffic density and meteorological conditions on the maritime traffic in the Channels. Results obtained and reported in the study clearly indicate some interesting relationships among these factors. As the effect of five factors on eight responses are examined, the most significant factor is determined as number of pilots and tugboats in the service, while the second effective factor is the arrival rate of vessels.