Traffic Model Based Optimization of Dredging Plan: Yangon River Channel: Nautical Science Department, Myanmar Maritime University, Yangon, Myanmar

The paper presents about the simulation based optimization of channel dredging plan. Yangon River channel is used as the research object. Firstly the realistic traffic simulation model of the channel in its current situation is developed with Arena simulation software. Then the model is executed in several assumptions of different available channel depths. Among the several outputs, average port time generated from each scenario is used as the optimizing parameter. Assumptions considered are 0.5 meter, 1.5 meter and 2 meter channel deepening with 10 years, 15 years and 20 years growth rate respectively. The minimum of the summation of average port times for all deepening assumptions is used as the objective function. Decision parameter here is simply yes or no; if deepening work should be commenced within the intended time interval the answer is yes and otherwise the answer is no. With this optimization model, this study answers which deepening assumption should be carried out in which time interval for the optimal port time.