A Queuing Model for Unitized Cargo Generation

The generation of cargo in a port is a stochastic process subject to a large number of factors. In the model presented, each unit of cargo is assumed equivalent from the handling point of view. Reneging and balking and the consequent availability of alternate service is considered. In the main model presented here, constant service time and uniform vessel capacity on each arrival is assumed, and a two-port trade route with “homogeneous equipment” is simulated. Some of these restrictions are later relaxed. The model may be of use for the design of short to medium distance container, roll-on roll-off, or all palletized cargo operations and the related terminal requirements.