Key influencing factors on improving the waterway through capacity of coastal ports

This paper aims at solving the problems of how to improve the waterway through capacity and how much each influencing factor can improve the capacity quantitatively. The problems are figured out by building a simulation model of the ships' navigation operation system. First of all, the definition of waterway through capacity and the elements of the ships' navigation operation system are discussed comprehensively. Then, a complicated simulation model, which considers the influencing factors, such as rules of ships entering and leaving port, navigation rules and inner anchorage scales, is constructed. After that, the simulation model is verified to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. Finally, various simulation experiments are designed according to a real bulk cargo port area in China and how much each influencing factor can improve the waterway through capacity is obtained, which provides a theoretical foundation for waterway construction and port management.