Integrated Cargo Planning Systems for Liner Shipping Services Case Study: System Modelling for Roll-On/Roll-Off Vessels

Abstract

Marine transport systems are an important link in a whole transportation chain with its multi-operator environment. The main objectives of this paper is modelling of information flow, interfacing, processing and data system integration between users in liner shipping systems with regard to cargo planning on board in the short and medium terms. Development of interlinked vessel cargo planning systems with automated shore-to-ship and shipping company-to-port communication and data exchange system is discussed here. A decision support tool for liner slupping companies and cargo handling in port has been modelled and developed for direct implementation. Therefore, the further purpose of this paper is to describe a computerised cargo planning system for roll-on/roll-off vessels, integrated with global cargo acquisition, information handling, processing and interchange with ports and ships. The system optimisation process is aimed at the best possible vessel capacity utilisation, the lowest transportation costs, and simplifying information flow. The advanced PC- programme described here can be connected to any main frame of computer for storage, processing and data interchange amoung numerous users. The system can process information about cargo acquisition, makes computerised plans for cargo stowage on board and transmits this information to ports and ships.