EDP-ASSISTED FLEET SCHEDULING IN TRAMP AND COASTAL SHIPPING

Advanced benefits in the pool result can be achieved by applying modern scheduling techniques, in conjunction with electronical data processing. Even with a fleet of only five ships, the detailed computer system proved to be superior to manual techniques of experienced schedulers. The computed schedule permitted, on the average, each ship to be assigned to additional jobs for one day per month. This effect increases relative to the number of ships scheduled. For an EDP-system to be effective it is necessary to use the basic information concerning the scheduling; including information on short term alterations, such as subletting or offers on the free market. The analysis of changes within the scheduling system normally involves a great manual effort. To overcome this problem the scheduler is able to communicate on line, in dialogue with the computer through the console, direct from his workplace. Depending upon the required information and the urgency of the reply, the scheduler is able to select, at distinct levels, an analysis of the effect of a particular operation. At the first stage, he obtains the variations of the economic pool result by changes and decisions relative to the schedule. At the next level, notice of the best possibilities of voyage combinations and assignments for ships and contracts are given. In the last stage, the system computes the schedule with the best pool result.