Improving Throughput of a Coal Transport System with the Aid of Three Simple Models

The Cape Breton Development Corporation had not been achieving the throughput needed from its transport system for moving coal from its coal storage sites to the shipping piers for loading onto ocean going vessels. We used three simple models to analyze this system and to convince management that it could improve the system dramatically with no capital investment. By following these recommendations, the company has approximately doubled the throughput of this system. This leads to significant savings in vessel demurrage costs and improves the market opportunities for coal sales.