Visibility Performance Assessment: Simulation of a Digital Shadow in a Port

Abstract

The growth of goods transported by ship affects the entire maritime industry, which is central to the global supply chain. Faced with an increased pressure from the industry, ports need greater visibility on the flow of goods and logistics operations. To tackle this challenge, improvement opportunities as well as weaknesses must be identified in order to define an efficient data acquisition strategy that will allow port authorities to enhance their current visibility within their port ecosystem. This article presents the simulation of a digital shadow based on a Canadian port case study. The study uses the simulation of a digital shadow to diagnose a Canadian port authority’s current visibility, with an accent on data accuracy, in order to identify improvement opportunities aimed at overcoming weaknesses identified in a current practice scenario and then compare the performance of the current system with said improvements in a second scenario. To our knowledge, this is the first simulation study on visibility performance assessment in a port’s digital shadow.

Port Access Fluidity Management during a Major Extension Project: A Simulation-Based Case Study

“…Klar et al [47] highlighted DTs' benefits for port efficiency and sustainability, highlighting their ability to integrate diverse data for improved management. In the same vein, Bergeron et al (2023) [48] utilize digital shadow simulation to enhance visibility in Canadian port operations, addressing challenges through technological advancements and better data strategies.…”