Implementation of traffic flow simulation for safety management of maritime transportation

Maritime transport is one of the largest economy and cruical for global trade and global economy. In the last century, there has occured several catastrophic maritime accidents, therefore safety approach has changed from reactive to proactive. Sustainability of maritime transport is possible with safety of life, safety of navigation and protection of maritime environment. In this research, it is aimed to develop a generic traffic flow simulation model for analyze maritime traffic. In addition, it is aimed to develop adaptable, updated model for possible changes in maritime traffic conditions. For this aims, qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the research process together. In the qualitative research process, related literature survey conducted for determination of variables in the model and the variables were used in the simulation. Related litature also has been pointed out that agent-based modelling approach is fitted for nature of research subject and aims. NetLogo language and programme is open source, free, most used in academic papers, in added it's procedure is close natural languages. For this reasons, traffic flow simulation model develop on NetLogo. Model is implemented on a open sea area. Experiments on the simulation model the were carried out and simulation's output that shows a visiualizing risky coordinates as a risk map. Model is updatable and adaptable for elemination of risks in this area, for this purpose implemented a traffic seperation scheme for the risky area and experiments carried out. After traffic seperation scheme, risk map that appears to have some changes and risky coordinates appear to be transfered to another area. Findings and results indicate that study has achieved its aims, generic traffic flow simulation model, is updatable and adaptable for analyzing maritime traffic and this model can be used appropriate for analyzing different maritime traffic situations. The results of the study are expected to serve as a decision support tool for decision makers and administration for developing new strategies, analyzing possible changes in maritime traffic conditions. Keywords: Maritime Traffic, Simulation, Maritime Traffic Flow Simulation, Agent-based Modelling, NetLogo