Objective
Using a computer system to optimise the distribution and positioning of containers onboard a container ship, in order to :
1. improve the ship's trim, thereby reducing its fuel consumption
2. reduce docking time and container manipulation during loading and unloading operations.
The novelty of this demonstration is the recognition of the effect container distribution and positioning have on the ship's trim and list.
A fuel saving of 300 TOE/year (1% of the conventional consumption) can be expected.
The fuel economy was estimated between 0,6 to 0,7% on the basis of two trips.
The software does not work correctly when there is a large diversity of containers to be loaded.
This software helps the ship planner to load the ship with an optimization of location of the containers to reduce 'the draught'; relocation of containers and the time necessary to remove from the ship.
However, this software does not take into account the fact that ship owners try to maximize the number of containers loaded on their ships and to maintain a constant commercial speed.
A computerised system has been developed by the STERIA and SNACH companies as an aid to the loading and ballast operations of container-carrying ships. The system comprises 2 independent, coordinated computers :
a) a cargo computer developed by STERIA and installed at company headquarters or, if desired, on board ship,
b) a ballast computer to be taken aboard. This computer was developed by SNACH and can be used for any type of ship.
Based on a theoretical configuration which takes into account ballast and load capacities, the charge computer will determine the optimum position and distribution of the containers (trim), while minimising the number of shiftings.
The ballast computer will correct the discrepancies between the theoretical configuration and the actual conditions on the ship.
The demonstration will be carried out in 3 main phases :
a) PREPARATION OF THE EXPERIMENT : collection of appropriate data for system entry (shipping line, ship, load characteristics) and comparative information (ship's final condition at each port, condition and duration of the voyages, fuel consumption), which relates to operational conditions without computer assistance and used as a 'reference'.
b) THEORETICAL EXPERIMENT : Simulation of the automated system in application to the 'reference', and may be used for practice by the ship-owner's personel, as part of the training programme for the real experiment.
c) REAL EXPERIMENT : Acquisition and computer entry in real operational conditions of comparative information on the voyages (duration, fuel consumption, environmental conditions), and on operations in port (Stanstill time..).
A complete system (hardware + software) will cost approximately 600,000 FF. The ship is expected to save between 1 and 3% on fuel consumption (i.e. 30,000 TEP/year) depending on its cruising speed.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
78140 Velizy
France