MOL Adopts Digital Transformation For Car Carrier Allocation Planning

595

  • MOL announced the launch of full-scale operation and practical application of their advanced car carrier cargo loading plan generation system.
  • Car carriers today require much more complicated cargo loading plans than in the past.
  • MOL has developed an algorithm that derives the optimal car carrier allocation plan from among enormous combinations in a short time.
  • MOL expects it to speed up response to customers and help attract new customers.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. announced the launch of full-scale operation and practical application of their advanced car carrier cargo loading plan generation system using mathematical optimization, a technology both companies have been working on since 2019, says an article published on their website. 

Why is a car carrier cargo loading plan needed? 

MOL operates the world’s largest car carrier fleets, with about 100 vessels. Car carriers today require much more complicated cargo loading plans than in the past, reflecting changing transport needs, evolving logistics patterns, and more diversity in both production centers and markets for automobiles. 

As a result, generation of loading plans has become much more time-consuming.

Solution 

Working closely with Professor Shunji Umetani of Osaka University, MOL has developed an algorithm that derives the optimal “car carrier allocation plan” from among enormous combinations in a short time, and a system that swiftly generates a cargo loading plan, maximizing both efficiency and cargo safety. 

Benefits of new system

Adoption of the new system reduces the time required to generate the loading plan by about 40%. It leads not only to prompt decision making using innovative, cutting-edge technology, but also eliminates dependency on individual skills. 

MOL expects it to speed up response to customers and help attract new customers. Improved cargo handling efficiency also helps reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in car carrier operations.

Continually improves transport service

In addition to the and projects, MOL has launched a study to use mathematical optimization for space management operation, moving ahead to further enhance efficiency in its car carrier business.

MOL was designated as a “Digital Transformation (DX) Certified Business Operator” based on the “DX Certification” established by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

It continually improves transport service quality and reduces GHG emissions by forging ahead with DX in a proactive manner, with the aim of becoming the customer’s first choice as a logistics business partner.

Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?

It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!

Source: mol