MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has introduced a new Breakbulk cargo stowage solution, the Breakbulk Optimiser, that enables operators to rapidly and optimally plan the stowage of many different cargoes, increasing vessel utilisation rates significantly and thereby improving business performance.
First cloud-based automated app
“The MacGregor Breakbulk Optimiser is the first automated, cloud-based application for the optimised stowage of breakbulk and general cargoes,” says Magnus Sjöberg, Senior Vice President, Cargo Handling, MacGregor.
“It makes full use of MacGregor’s expertise in cargo handling systems combined with Navis’ expertise in loading computers and stowage planning know-how on container ships.” Navis is also part of Cargotec.
The new pioneering Breakbulk Optimiser is available for new and existing vessels and can be used for one vessel or the whole fleet.
How is it beneficial than the current system
The new application optimises breakbulk vessel stowage plans, by taking into consideration all influencing factors including what cargo is already on board, incoming cargoes, available cargo space, the actual capability of the cargo handling system, port rotations and vessel stability. Whereas, the current Breakbulk stowage planning mostly relies on time-consuming, manual planning processes based on the capability and experience of an individual planner or team of planners.
Moreover, the No-shows of cargoes and last-minute changes further adds to the time it takes to complete an optimal stowage plan. Tommi Keskilohko, Director, Customer Innovations, Cargo Handling, MacGregor says, “The new solution can easily accommodate these last-minute changes and enables customers to identify predefined key performance indicators at a ship, voyage, rotation or fleet level”.
Process improvements
Pilot cases on board customer vessels have verified that the amount of cargo that can be carried can be increased substantially, which increases operational efficiency and earning potential.
Mr Keskilohko adds that there are a lot of potential process improvements like Time-savings in planning processes and the transparency of fact-based information.
Environmental impact
Reduced environmental impact is another as vessels are running at much higher utilisation rates. “The utilisation rates of Breakbulk and general cargo vessels tend to be relatively low and fleet-wide key performance indicators are rarely known or recorded,” continues Mr Keskilohko.
“Our aim is to help customers improve their businesses and MacGregor’s new Breakbulk Optimiser is a perfect match for that.”
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Cargotec
