The Inchon port has been heavily congested due to the tidal restriction in passing the lock and the shortage of berths or warehouses. The current congestion is predicted to become worse by the induced traffics near the lock entrance after completion of North harbour expansion and of Kyung-In canal construction. It is also expected that the newly developed configuration of the Inchon port will result in increasing the rate of marine accidents around the lock entrance because of the over-utilization of the limited capacity of the junction from the North harbour and the Kyung-In canal. This study adopts a systematic approach in analysing the physical distribution system of the inner-lock area in order to figure out alternative routes which are designed to improve the port efficiency. Ship maneuvering simulation is also attempted to propose a new approaching route to the canal as an alternative path in order to avoid the traffic accidents caused by the extreme congestion. The result of the ship maneuvering simulation demonstrates that the alternative routes by way of Buk-Sudo, Janbong-Sudo, north of Si-Do and Sin-Do is recommended routes which can satisfy the safety requirements of approaching to the canal entrance.

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