Terminal Simulation Analysis for Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. Terminal

The Challenge

South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) is in the process of designing its new Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. Terminal (HLT) in North Charleston, SC. Following the previous master plan and decision for an RTG operating setup, HLT is currently in the concept design stage and SCPA is seeking for validation of capacity and performance as well as equipment requirements of the current proposed operating plan that will be realized in three phases. Against this background, HPC has been assigned to validate the general functionality of the operating plans for all three development phases, to analyze the corresponding berth, storage and gate handling capacities, and to determine associated equipment requirements for providing the targeted service levels to vessels and trucks.

Tasks Performed

• Development of alternative traffic scenarios for HLT phases 1 to 3
• Berth simulation analysis, assessing berth capacity and expected vessel service level for alternative vessels schedules
• Storage analysis, evaluating full, empty and reefer container storage capacity for alternative traffic schedules
• Implementation of tailored terminal simulation models for HLT phase 1 to 3, considering terminal-specific layout, operations and processes
• Terminal simulation analysis, validating general functionality of layout plans and determining equipment requirements for all three phases
• Gate simulation analysis, verifying gate handling capacity, truck queuing and gate lane requirements
• Recommendations towards optimized HLT terminal design, including layout modifications, equipment numbers and process improvements

Benefit

• Validated terminal design and storage capacity
• Optimized yard layout and equipment requirements
• Verified equipment requirements supporting target productivities