Hyundai Glovis reports that a new artificial intelligence (AI) stowage planning system being deployed across its fleet of Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) has managed to cut the time required in half, with further efficiencies potentially still to be gained.
Stowage planning involves arranging cargo in the optimal configuration to improve transport efficiency and safety. The algorithm being used by Hyundai Glovis determines optimal loading positions by processing data on vehicle types, quantities, and port rotations.
By calculating the discharge order in advance, the system prevents instances where vehicles destined for later ports block those needing to be unloaded earlier. The company says that this reduces the need to shift cargo at stopover ports, which can cause transport delays and additional costs.
The technology also manages data on the ship’s ability to maintain balance and navigate safely, with the AI distributing the weight of heavy cargo to the vessel’s lower decks to maintain a stable centre of gravity.
The system uses data modelling to map vessel interiors by deck and zone, allowing vehicle movement paths to be calculated automatically and any height and weight constraints verified.
A Hyundai Glovis representative said that the new technology has helped to cut the time required to create a stowage plan from 27 hours to approximately half that amount, and that once the technology is fully matured it may be possible to reduce the time by up to 90%.
The company plans to continue the roll-out of the system to cover its entire fleet of car carriers.
