Port Choice Model for Feeder ship, based on a Dynamic Accessibility Indicator (PCM-DAI)

This research aims to set up a Port Choice Model, based on a Dynamic Accessibility Indicator (PCM-DAI), designed to support the shipping companies’ decision-making process about the destination port, both in pre-trip planning and in en-route phase. Merging the main maritime transport system characteristics and some port service-related parameters, the proposed approach considers port’s accessibility as a dynamic indicator, in opposite to traditional approaches, which consider it constant over time. The PCM-DAI model represents an attempt to foresee the accessibility of a port based on the human perception. The Fuzzy Logic is used to model the human reasoning way. The PCM-DAI model, using the inputs coming from GPS sources, recognizes in which area the ship is sailing and, extrapolating inputs from different databases, carries out the ranking of ports "closer" to the ship company requirements, based on the dynamic accessibility indicator. The model can be used online, or even en-route. The PCM-DAI was tested in three different cases, obtaining 504 outputs in the first test, 2.160 in the second test, and 81.360 in the third test. The accuracy of the PCM-DAI results has been evaluated through some performance indicators. The PCM-DAI model could be used also in container terminals, to predict the choices of ships sailing and to optimize the handling activities before its arrival.