SET4PORT

To plan the port infrastructure and operations for high volumes of cargo, a comprehensive suite of software tools called SET4PORT or "Simulation-Enabled Planning Tools for Port Operations" was developed with the support of the MPA’s MINT Fund. Using simulation and data mining techniques for modelling marine port operations, SET4PORT helps the port operator in designing the port infrastructure as well as planning and optimising their operations. SET4PORT enables the development of a port model that mimics the operations of vessels and handling of cargo at various levels of detail. It provides systematic assistance for evaluating strategic and tactical decision-making, related to all major aspects of port operations planning. Actual port operations are closely emulated in a simulation model so that what-if questions can be answered to assist users in port design, terminal upgrade and expansion, as well as day-to-day operations planning.

SET4PORT has since the founding of SimPlus been further developed into a Terminal Operations Simulation System (TOS2), an Anchorage Management Simulation System (AMS2) and Vessel Traffic Planning and Simulation System (VTPS2), that have been successful in assisting leading international ports. They have proven useful in evaluating greenfield designs and assessing new measures to enhance productivity of existing operations. Given the billions of dollars of capital investment and millions of dollars of operating costs in a typical port, these tools not only assess the design layout of the terminal and port but also optimise the deployment of resources, leading to a more efficiently designed and run port with a healthy bottom line and satisfied customers.

To recognize its innovative achievements that have made a significant impact and resulted in considerable benefits to the transport sector, SimPlus has been awarded the Minister's Innovation Award, the highest accolade given by the Singapore Ministry of Transportation.