The Connectivity of Multiport Route Network to Container Loading Planning

In determining a container loading plan on board, the goal is to find a container loading plan which considers the structural and operational boundary conditions. In the past, the container loading plan was made by the captain, but now the container terminal has an expert planner to determine the Master Bay Plan. The container loading plan is made in accordance with ship loading instructions with coordinators representing ship owners and cargo owners. The arrangement of containers to be loaded at certain ports into certain slots into the Bay Plan arrangement on the container ships will maximize capacity utilization and minimize operational costs. One important factor in achieving this goal is minimizing overloading – a situation where the containers to be unloaded are blocked by containers destined for the next port. A container loading plan is difficult to make due to several factors: heterogeneity of packages in terms of size, weight, stack ability, position and orientation. The port transshipment pattern plays a unique place in a multiport network design. The transshipment port is the connecting port between the network route section and the feeder. Regular feeder lines connect the hub with several shallow feeder ports located in the same area as the hub port. The containers loaded on feeder vessels at one port are usually transported to more ports of destination. Feeder container route schedules – including the date and time of arrival and departure – must be notified in advance.