Agent-based model for sustainable equipment expansion with co2 reduction of a container port

Abstract

Conserving port environment is gaining attention, seeing local port authorities beginning to establish green policies as a normative direction into container port expansion. However, there are conflicts among port authorities, port planners, port stakeholders in converting port equipment with carbon reducing technology. This attributes to the absence of electrification approach in port expansion process. This research aims to propose a sustainable equipment expansion approach by an agent-based model (ABM) to quantify carbon-reducing equipment profile that complies with an emission reduction standard (ERS). The approach simulates the port sustainability transition from port agent interaction that determines the expansion design approach. A combination of fundamental port expansion theories and an electrification logic are developed to simulate the carbon-reducing expansion profile. It is to meet the required CO2 emission reduction standard while not forfeiting financial performance. An agent-based simulator (NETLOGO) is programmed to simulate port sustainability transition and the sustainable expansion profile. The results of PTP case study indicate that it is able to electrify all equipments by 2043. Results also indicate a viable green policy implemented at 4.5% yearly CO2 reduction starting at 2024 while meeting the required port capacity and financial performance. Analysis infers the futility of imposing high emission reduction percentage and the execution of more conversions at higher throughput demand phase. In conclusion, ABM model can be a decision-making support system for the port community to execute appropriate emission reduction standard percentage and time to realise the green port concept.