UASC Implements Container Stowage Software

Posted by Eric Haun August 13, 2015

The stowage of the 18,800 TEU UASC Barzan will be supported by the software StowMan[s]. (Photo: INTERSCHALT)

INTERSCHALT maritime systems AG announced it will equip the fleet of the liner shipping company United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) with the stowage planning software StowMan[s].

Developed in cooperation with the IT University of Copenhagen and launched in September 2014, the stowage planning software particularly stands out with the unsurpassed speed with which it can create multiple plans for optimizing container stowage on board, INTERSCHALT said. In an iterative process, the software takes into account all criteria relevant for the safe and effective stowage of containers – such as the container size, crane capacity, segregation of dangerous goods, reefer container plug-ins, and also the optimum trim.

According to INTERSCHALT, the planning time that is saved can be applied by stowage planners and cargo flow managers to further optimize capacity utilization, bunker consumption and terminal operations per rotation, with the aim of reducing port laytimes and exploiting potential savings in fuel consumption.

Robert Gärtner, CEO of INTERSCHALT, commented on the contract, “We are delighted by the confidence entrusted in our products and services by UASC. It is a confirmation of our strategy to offer ship owners and managers innovative software with attractive pricing models, tailored to meet their needs.”

StowMan[s] is offered as "software as a service", which enables ship managers to book the expenditures for the software as an operational expenditure (OPEX) instead of conventionally as a capital expenditure (CAPEX).

In addition to the stowage planning software, UASC relies on further INTERSCHALT products: all ships put into operation since 2011 are equipped with the Seacos MACS3 loading computer. The most recently constructed ships of the A15 and A18 classes are also equipped with the vessel performance software "Bluetracker".

UASC, which together with CMA CGM and China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) formed the alliance "Ocean Three", currently operates a fleet of 71 ships.