MOL Adopts Car Carrier Operation Digital Transformation Promotion Project

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and its group company MOL Information Systems, announced the success of a demonstration test of automated space management for car carriers (booking cargo allocation on operated vessels and accompanying voyage planning) (Fig.1), using mathematical optimization (Note 1), a technology both companies have been working on since 2019.

As a car carrier operator striving to meet customers’ ocean transport needs and logistics requirements, the MOL Group must not only maximize use of the space on vessel, of course, but also simultaneously plan voyage schedules for several vessels, with safe transport as the absolute top priority.

figure/diagram
Click image to enlarge | (Fig. 1) Coverage areas in this demonstration test

The group must also take into consideration a host of terms and conditions such as combinations of wide varieties of vehicle models, different loading/unloading ports, and requests related to loading/unloading port arrival schedules, while maximizing route efficiency.

Highly skilled staff in charge of these operations approach it like a complex puzzle. The use of this newly developed algorithm allows simultaneous examination of about three times as many possible plans as the conventional process. This helps optimize voyage scheduling and benefits all parties involved.

Working closely with Professor Shunji Umetani (Note 2) of Osaka University, MOL has started operation of support systems, a “car carrier allocation plan” and “cargo loading plan”. MOL will speed up overall decision-making in car carrier operations to offer the unprecedented attention to detail in transport service, more effectively addressing customer requests and accelerating its initiatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by realizing the use of mathematical optimization even in “space management of operated vessels,” which bridges these two processes.

The MOL Group continually works to improve the quality of its transport service through digital transformation (DX), with the aim of becoming customers’ first choice when selecting a business partner.

MOL Car carrier - blanco ace - panama
Image Credits: mol.co.jp

(Note 1) Mathematical optimization
An underlying technology of artificial intelligence (AI) and a method for decision-making and problem-solving. Mathematical optimization finds an answer that minimizes (or maximizes) objective functions under given constraints and conditions. It is used in a broad range of areas such as investment management, logistics and supply chain management, energy management, and scheduling.

(Note 2) Shunji Umetani, Endowed Chair Professor in the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology Acquired Ph. D (Informatics), Department of Applied Mathematics and Physics

Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University in 2003, and from 2008 belonged to Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University and currently served as Endowed Chair Professor.

His focus is on combinatorial optimization. He is engaged in development of algorithms that efficiently find practical solutions for problems of large-scale and diversified combinations based on large-scale data collected from the real world. He is also working to develop real-world applications using mathematical optimization through industry-academia collaboration.

Reference: mol.co.jp

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!

Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *