SOFTPORT is a computer simulation package for the planning of port infrastructure. It is not a ship simulation model. The model allows complex siulations to be rapidly analysed through a wide range of "what if" scenarios associated with the growth and development of port facilities. models a wide range of port operations. The program has been developed as an analytical tool to provide a rapid analysis of particular port configurations. This model philosophy is as follows:

Import, export and transit cargoes can be modelled within the simulation
A range of different cargo types are possible. (Up to 40 in the present version)
Vessel numbers, sizes and types can all be individually defined.
Types, sizes and numbers of land side transport are not limited
Synthetic or real data can be used for port operations including transport arrivals, loading rates and departures
Port operations data including holidays, daily working practices, weather and industrial downtime can be modelled.
All operations can be modelled on a Monte Carlo basis if required
Construction of a synthetic model is rapid

The increasing complexity of port operations and the size of capital expenditure means that more sophisticated techniques must be introduced to safeguard commercial investment. SOFTPORT  allows a much wider array of parameters to be assessed in approximately the same time frame required to undertake a traditional statistical analysis. In this way operational efficiency, demurrage, congestion and the over capacity of a particular port configuration can be identified and an infrastructure strategy developed to overcome port operational problems. This could include the construction of further berth, port storage, road or rail links. Other possibilities include increasing the capacity of quayside mechanical handling, dredging for approach channels or modifications to working practices. Historic data can be used to calibrate the model and projected growth can be based upon synthetic data or projected traffic forecasts. The rate of increase in traffic and its effect on port, berth and storage congestion can be assessed from the simulations.


SOFTPORT contains a number of program elements:

A tidal prediction program.
A vessel building program including details of cargo, size, type, arrival time, draft and transit times
A land transport building routine including details of cargo, size, type and arrival times
An approach channel building routine
A berth building routine
A tug building routine
A Mechanical handling building routine for quayside and storage handling
A storage building routine
A timestep simulation
A results handling program