Port scheduling optimization

project background

The enterprise transports 30 million tons of bauxite annually, exporting it to eastern Australia, Asia, and global markets through the Port of Weipa.

   • Challenges: With up to ten large ships entering and exiting the port daily, improper scheduling can result in demurrage fees of up to AUD 100,000 per day, affecting mine production and customer deliveries.

Customer pain points

   • Manual scheduling is inefficient, requiring 3-4 hours per day for scheduling adjustments

   • Variables such as tides, weather, port arrival times, and inventory affect decision-making, relying on empirical judgment and lacking data support

   • Unstable decision-making is prone to misjudgment, affecting port operational efficiency

Solution

    • Mathematical optimization + AI decision support, replacing manual scheduling to enhance decision accuracy

   • Complete scheduling optimization within 30 minutes, replacing the manual scheduling that used to take 3-4 hours

   • Real-time scenario simulation to evaluate different scheduling schemes and balance operational efficiency and costs

Project effectiveness

✔ More precise ship scheduling, reducing demurrage costs

✔ Improve the transportation efficiency of bauxite and optimize the stability of the supply chain

✔ Save millions of dollars in operating costs and enhance decision-making consistency