Throughput Capacity Estimation

This paper focuses on that aspect of logistic support planning which has broken down in the last two wars in which U.S. forces were involved, namely, throughput capacity. Throughput capacity is made up of three components, post reception, port discharge and port clearance. A simple methodology is developed for defining a port complex in terms of the variables which influence throughput capacity. Such factors as vessel characteristics, both deep draft and lighterage, port facilities, road and rail net capabilities, support units and their equipment, etc. will be considered in the analysis. Once identified and defined, the variables will be interrelated one to the other in an effort to build a simple model that will replicate actual operations at a port complex and estimate potential throughput capacity. This model will be called the Port Capacity Estimator PORTCAP. Although this paper and PORTCAP are built around the Middle East scenario, it is sufficiently flexible to be used in describing the capabilities and limitations of other port complexes around the world.