Japanese shipping firm Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has developed a vessel allocation and cargo loading plan for car carriers in collaboration with its group company MOL Information Systems and Osaka University.
The plan utilises mathematical optimisation that is a fundamental artificial intelligence (AI) technology, says an article published on their website.
Why cargo loading plan?
MOL runs a fleet of approximately 100 car carriers. Each ship is capable of handling about 5,000 standard passenger cars.
When a ship has to sail towards various ports to load and unload the cargo, the deck and hold for cargo loading can considerably affect the safety of cargo operations and efficiency.During the voyage, it is essential to consider the loading / unloading and hull balance. As a result, developing a loading plan takes more time than usual.
Operating the vessel in its peak productivity while meeting diversifying demands of automakers has become essential. This can be achieved through efficient vessel allocation and cargo loading.
About technology
In cooperation with Professor Shunji Umetani of Osaka University, MOL developed an algorithm that elicits the optimal allocation plan from an enormous number of combinations using mathematical optimization, and started operation of a system based on the algorithm. Introduction of the system enables speedy decision making and greater flexibility in meeting changes in transport demand. In addition, improvement of fleet-wide efficiency reduces fuel consumption per unit transported, reducing the environmental impact of fleet operation.
How mathematical optimization helps?
Mathematical optimization finds an answer that minimizes (or maximizes) objective functions under given constraints and conditions. It is used in a broad range of areas such as investment management, logistics and supply chain management, energy management, and scheduling.
Cargo loading plan
Cargo loading plan Allocation plans for car carriers-which could be thought of as huge, ocean-going multilevel parking garages-requires careful consideration of cargo height, weight, and dimensions, as well as the number of units and loading/unloading ports. Since the vehicles must be driven to and from their loading position, passageways must be clear at the appropriate time.
In addition, cargo loading positions (deck and hold) must be adjusted in consideration of hull stability during the voyage and loading/unloading safety. So in many cases, plans must be redrawn in response to sudden changes in the number of units or changes in the order of calling ports.
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Source: mol
