Containership Stowage: A Computer-Aided Preplanning System

Abstract

It is well known that the advent of cargo containerization has revolutionized the art of ship stowage by greatly increasing cargo handling efficiency. However, in order to take full advantage of this capability, and to optimize the use of the containership itself, the physical distribution of containers on board the vessel must be carefully planned. In this paper, a computer software system designed to aid in this planning process is described. First, the particular difficulties of containership stowage are discussed and a set of stowage objectives is developed. The solution algorithm, employing a combination of simulation and a Monte Carlo technique, is described. Finally, the implementation of the system by a major U.S. shipping line is discussed.