Deterministic analysis and operational benchmarking of pushed convoy lockage operations on the Tietê-Paraná waterway

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of operational times on the transit of pushed convoys through the Bariri Lock, located on the Tietê–Paraná Waterway, Brazil. The methodology involved decomposing the lockage process into 54 stages and developing 16 hypothetical scenarios based on combinations of minimum and maximum execution times for crew operations. The results indicated total transit times ranging from 236.92 to 269.08 minutes, representing a variation of 32.17 minutes, of which 12.67 minutes were associated with crew-controlled activities. Berthing operations showed the greatest potential for time reduction, followed by convoy disconnection, mooring, and release procedures. The opportunity matrix enabled the identification of priority processes and the establishment of operational efficiency benchmarks. The findings demonstrate that deterministic analysis provides a useful framework for operational benchmarking and improvement identification, supporting future stochastic simulations and assessments of lock reliability and operational capacity.