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<p>We introduce a simulation model to evaluate the disruptions, delays, and  incremental costs inflicted on the U.S. West Coast container shipping industry by a  Transportation Security Incident (TSI). Each year, more than 6,000 container ships call  upon West Coast seaports handling in excess of 18.3 million containers. Current national  directives do not specify uniform standards for measuring the amount of seaport cargohandling  capacity, nor decision rules to divert cargo to alternate facilities when a primary  destination is degraded or unusable. Through analysis, we identify infrastructure  components that are potential bottlenecks and/or vulnerable to a TSI that can potentially  threaten the U.S. maritime shipping capacity. For example, we demonstrate a 10-day  labor union dispute and longshoremen work stoppage that paralyzes the entire U.S. West  Coast. The incident induces significant port congestion from Puget Sound to San Pedro  Bay, reducing the annual West Coast vessel and import container throughput by 3 percent  174 vessels and 237,088 containers), and increases the incremental costs suffered by  ocean carriers by $400 million. Additional analysis identifies opportunities for  commercial and government investment in additional seaport infrastructure to alleviate  West Coast port congestion, while ensuring the unimpeded continuity of operations of  West Coast shipping subsequent to a TSI.
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<br>Subjects: Marine terminals; Security measures; California; Oakland; United States; Shipping</div>
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Pidgeon, Edward D.</div>
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