Marine dock optimization for a bulk chemicals manufacturing facility
Name
773584162-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
7.16 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
0943184229e64bbc8d8d1d00a6389795
Author(s)
Nath, Gaurav (Gaurav Sudhindra)
Ramos, Brian
Advisor(s)
James B. Rice, Jr.
Alternative Title
Marine dock optimization for bulk liquid chemicals
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
U.S. petrochemical manufacturers operate in a very challenging environment on account of the recent economic crisis, volatility in crude oil prices, rising capacity in the Middle East, etc. Recently, there has been a focus on logistics costs and, in particular, capacity utilization as a means to retain a competitive edge. This thesis focuses on marine dock optimization for a major bulk chemicals manufacturer. The authors have surveyed the research literature to find commonalities in various approaches to the problem of dock optimization- in the petrochemical shipping industry as well as in allied operational environments such as container shipping. They discuss the inputs that would be needed to build a decision-support-system designed for the express purpose of measuring dock utilization. Following a review of the industry context and relevant literature, the authors develop a demonstrative framework that captures the key variables and constraints affecting loading and unloading operations. The authors speculate that multiple simulation and optimization techniques could sufficiently address the quantification of operational uncertainties at the marine dock. However, emphasis is placed upon the need for thorough data gathering and correct prioritization of variables and constraints affecting efficiency of dock operations.
Description
Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-30).
Subjects
Engineering Systems Division.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
