Container port infrastructure in north-west Europe: Policy-level modeling

Against the background of economic downturn and recovery, this study analyzes container port infrastructure, shipping flows and congestion patterns to support policy level modeling rather than more micro-focused quayside-level modeling. It does so using a discrete-event simulation model of the North-West European container port and shipping sector to inform in this application a UK policy perspective. Two scenarios are investigated and a number of policy implications highlighted. The model advanced can, with appropriate re-calibration, be applied in other container port and shipping sectors.