A novel port call optimization framework: A case study of chemical tanker operations

Abstract

We study a novel chemical tanker port call optimization framework to improve the efficiency of waterway traffic control, in which chemical tankers load and unload cargoes while visiting multiple terminals. We formulate this problem as a mixed-integer program to minimize the total cost of vessel operations while compressing the schedule of cargo operations. The port call optimization framework integrates decentralized scheduling efforts by different stakeholders to minimize the traffic congestion satisfying policy, operational, and technical requirements, while embracing the current competitive scheduling discipline. Solving real-world problems can be computationally challenging. Hence we propose efficient solution techniques to promote fast convergence to optimum solutions. As we compare the vessel operational schedule from the proposed port call optimization model with monthly transit data in the past, terminal utilization is improved by more than 250% and the number of individual tanker’s transit is reduced by 28%. Suggested computational techniques ensured the solving of real-world problems in approximately 10 minutes.