Introducing a Method for More Precise Prediction of Berth Occupancy Ratio in Bulk Liquid Terminals

Existing methods presented in references and standards for calculation of berth occupancy ratio, are more concentrated on container terminals. However, some empirical formulas can be found to predict the berth occupancy, but these methods are neither accurate enough nor economically wise to be employed for the prediction of berth occupancy ratio in large and complex bulk liquid terminals. Therefore, it is attempted in this paper to introduce a method for more precise prediction of berth occupancy ratio for bulk liquid terminals. In the proposed method for calculation of berth occupancy ratio in bulk liquid terminals, times which is not used for loading/unloading operation is investigated. The loading/unloading lost factor is considered in calculations in order to calculate the operational value for loading/unloading rate. Next, practical values for these items are given based on previous authors’ experiences. Finally, a case study is performed for a liquid bulk petrochemical terminal to specify the presented method. Results show 24% difference between new method and old empirical formulas.