Multi-objective optimization and Pareto navigation for voyage planning

Abstract: The shipping industry is very large and ships require a substantial amount of fuel. However, fuel consumption is not the only concern. Time of arrival, safety concerns, distance travelled etc. are also of importance and these objectives might be inherently conflicting. This thesis aims to demonstrate multi-objective optimization and Pareto navigation for application in voyage planning. In order to perform this optimization, models of weather, ocean conditions, ship dynamics and propulsion system are needed. Statistical methods for estimation of resistance experienced in calm and rough sea are used. An earlier developed framework is adopted to perform the optimization and Pareto navigation. The results show that it is a suitable approach in voyage planning. A strength of the interactive Pareto navigation is the overview of the solution space presented to the decision maker and the control of the spread of the objective space. Another benefit is the possibilities of assigning specific values on objectives and setting thresholds in order to narrow down the solution space. The numerical results reinforces the trend of slow steaming to decrease fuel consumption.