Evaluating impacts of anchorages re-provisioning scheme on mega port operations: simulation approach

Anchorages play important parts in both vessels waiting for berth and cargo handling at sea. As a kind of public marine resource, anchorages often need to be reallocated for different reasons including land reclamation. The usage of the anchorage area is considered to be a complex queuing system. Therefore, building a simulation model to evaluate the impacts of the reallocated anchorages is a relatively practicable and accurate method. This article explores the impacts of the reduced anchorages in Hong Kong's Central Water due to land reclamation project, by establishing a simulation model. The analysis of the model helps to evaluate the impacts and suggest on the anchorage re-provisioning scheme. Relative simulation models and methods provide a scientific basis for the analysis, design, and planning of anchorages in other ports.