Company Description

Macomi provides advanced analytics platforms powered by artificial intelligence, simulation, and optimization algorithms to address complex business challenges. We specialize in enabling businesses to make informed decisions, manage risks, and optimize processes through scenario analysis and decision support tools. Our highly configurable platform offers tailored solutions across domains, including rail management, container terminal analysis, maritime traffic operations, and workforce planning. Known for our enthusiasm and flexibility, we are committed to helping clients thrive in dynamic business environments. Macomi is headquartered in Rotterdam, where we deliver innovative and impactful solutions to a broad range of industries.

Role Description

Macomi seeks a full-time intern for the role of Simulating the Impact of Alternative Fuelled Vessels in Ports and Terminals. We participate in a research consortium led by Hogeschool Rotterdam that investigates the operational requirements and impacts associated with the use of alternative fuels in sea-going vessels. The project focuses on fuels such as ammonia, LNG, and hydrogen, and examines their implications for port and terminal operations. Particular attention is given to bunkering operations, i.e., the refuelling of vessels.

The increasing adoption of alternative marine fuels introduces new operational challenges for ports and terminals. Unlike conventional marine fuels such as Heavy Fuel Oil, these alternative fuels possess distinct physical and chemical properties that influence safety procedures, infrastructure requirements, and operational workflows. As their use in maritime shipping is still emerging, industry stakeholders currently have limited operational experience with these fuels, resulting in uncertainty regarding associated risks and appropriate handling procedures. Consequently, many terminal operators remain hesitant to permit bunkering operations involving alternative fuels, often citing safety concerns, operational risks, and the absence of standardized procedures.

The primary objective of this project is to implement newly developed operational rules and procedures within the Macomi Platform and to develop a discrete event simulation model that enables experimentation with different operational scenarios. The scope will be operations at a general cargo terminal, both on landside and waterside. These scenarios may include variations in process logic, operational interventions, and infrastructure configurations.

Macomi already possesses some models and simulation components representing waterside and landside port operations using proprietary engine written in C#. The project will therefore require integrating relevant existing components and extending the model logic to capture additional processes—most notably operations at a general cargo terminal, and those associated with alternative-fuel bunkering. The resulting simulation environment will support systematic analysis of operational impacts, risk mitigation strategies, and decision-making processes for ports and terminals considering the adoption of alternative marine fuels

Requirements:

• Proficiency in C# programming

• Understanding of discrete event simulation (DES) and discrete event system specification (DEVS)

• Interest in sustainable maritime operations as well as alternative maritime fuels

• Student status

Projnect characteristics:

• Start date: June/July 2026

• Possibility of realising the project as a MSc thesis project

• Duration: 6-8 months fulltime

• Location: Hybrid in Rotterdam

• Indicative compensation: €900/month gross

• Possibility of a publication after the project

We welcome discussion on flexible arrangements that can best accommodate the needs of the project and contribute to a mutually beneficial collaboration.