An optimization-based decision support system for ship scheduling

The bulk carriers in the world merchant fleet typically operate full between a loading and discharging port, then run empty until they reach the next loading port. The shipping rates of bulk trades are set on supply/demand bases and fluctuate considerably. Thus the proper scheduling of ships in bulk trade has the great potential of improving the owner's profit and economic performance of shipping. This paper considers an optimization-based Decision Support System for ship scheduling. The typical optimization models for scheduling the ships are briefly reviewed and classified by the underlying idea. Then a prototype MoDiSS(Model-based SS in Ship Scheduling) which is based on a set-packing model has been developed on PC base with proper GUI. The performance of the system has been tested and examined using various ship scheduling scenarios and thereby the effectiveness of the system is validated satisfactorily.