Simulation modeling of the vessel traffic in Delaware River: Impact of deepening on port performance

This paper deals with simulation modeling of the vessel traffic in Delaware River. The purpose is to study the impact of deepening on the navigational efficiency in the River. In this regard, vessel calls to terminals, lightering and barge operations, tidal and navigational rules in the River, terminal and anchorage properties as well as vessel profiles are considered in the model. The simulation model is specifically built to be able to perform scenario and policy analyses as well as a comprehensive risk analysis of the Delaware River and Bay area. This paper investigates effects of deepening on port performance measures. The statistics tracked in this respect are the overall port and terminal utilization, port times and terminal calls, anchorage visits and delays based on various vessel visits, categories and movements.