Port operations simulator

Port operations simulators are applications of simulation technology used to determine the outcomes of potential changes to factors affecting ports, security policies, traffic patterns, port expansion or growth, natural disasters, inclement weather, or terrorist activity.

The National Infrastructure Simulation Analysis Center, a program within the Department of Homeland Security, has developed a Port Operations Simulator, which is designed to model, simulate, and analyze the effects on port economic health as a result of potential shipping container and port security policies.

The Houston adaptation has built-in scenarios, including loss of electric power, loss of telecommunications, labor disruptions, and major security threats.

Users have the ability to direct controls in order to determine the best response and recovery plans to these types of scenarios.

The game is targeted primarily at actual Port of Rotterdam staff, but is considered applicable to others in training and education settings.

Port operations simulations are used to model and simulate conditions at large ports, such as the Port of Miami .
Flowchart of NISAC's Port Operations Simulator inputs