A simulation model for decision support in Ro‐Ro terminal operations

Due to its convenience for integrating land and marine transportation roll on/roll off (Ro‐Ro) ships are very important for offering smooth and flexible services required by the modern world of trade. Ro‐Ro ships are able to load trucks or trailer directly via their ramps, thus no lifting equipment is necessary. A lot of seaports are equipped with necessary ramps to facilitate Ro‐Ro ships. On the other hand, literature related to Ro‐Ro terminal operations is scarce. Thus, this study aims to develop a simulation model for Ro‐Ro terminal operations in order to provide a means for better decision making and resource allocation. The model is tested by using the data from a Ro‐Ro terminal in Turkey. As a result, it was discovered that the maximum utilisation rate of one of the waiting areas exceeded its capacity, which shows that the model could be a useful tool in order to identify possible bottlenecks for the Ro‐Ro terminal operations.