AbstractThis paper means to give some insight into the problematic of the design and operation of grain terminals. It gives a general description of a part of such a chain, namely an export terminal.A simplified model for such a terminal is presented. This model can be translated into a computer program using mainly discrete event simulation techniques.Effects of the arrival pattern of ships are numerically shown finally.This paper should be considered as part of an interim assessment of the results of a study in cooperation with GEM Consultants BV Rotterdam.The aim of this study is to achieve designs for more economical terminals for transhipment of grain and grain-derivatives.