Performance analysis for a maritime port with high-frequency services: an Italian case study

The increasing demand at maritime traffic nodes in multi-modal transport emerges as a critical factor for the country’s economy. Consequently, terminal operators should focus on proper strategies and policies to satisfy the increasing demand. This paper exploits the integration of Information Communications Technology systems into physical infrastructures and offers an in-depth study of operations and performance optimisation for a maritime terminal. The case study is the Messina-Tremestieri port (Sicily, South Italy), characterised by a high flow of cars and freight vehicles. This port is in the comprehensive Trans-European Transport Network, and it links Sicily Island with Italy, offering high-frequency services. About 30% of the goods by Ro-Ro services pass through this port: so, it makes sense to use it as a case study. The arrivals distribution, the terminal capacity and the supply offered by the shipping companies are considered input, and terminal efficiency is evaluated through indicators such as the saturation of the yard area and the average vessel load factor. Besides, the study offers two viable solutions to the emerging port saturation. First, a tactical policy (with no infrastructural costs) includes the introduction of flexible time windows. Alternatively, the introduction of additional vessel services has been evaluated during peak hours. Benefits have been simulated by comparing the total number of vehicles served in current and simulated scenarios.