Smart steaming for just-in-time-arrival, using modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm

Ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP) has forced shipping industry to find low-cost and efficient strategies to reduce carbon emission. This research developed a smart steaming strategy (SSS) based on modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm. Smart steaming is defined as the simultaneous optimization of sailing route and speed in a just-in-time-arrival scenario while fulfilling the safety constraints. The potential advantages of this strategy were evaluated in a case study for a Panamax container ship. SSS reduced the total cost of a voyage in both harsh and normal sailing environments by about 6.8% and 2.7%, respectively. It also cut CO₂ emissions by 9.03% and 4.13% in the two environments. Next, the impact of just-in-time arrival constraint was analyzed. It was observed that in this case study, knowing the exact berthing time and extending the sailing time by a day or two can lead to an extra 10.9% savings in the total voyage cost and emission.