This article focuses on the optimisation of cargo handling operations of tankers. A combined hydraulic-energy model has been developed and adapted to the design characteristics of AFRAMAX tankers, allowing the simulation of a tanker's cargo discharging procedures, while monitoring all related ship parameters, like characteristics of pumps/manifolds, piping system, flow rates, pressures, ship responses, etc. A preference-based multi-criteria optimisation methodology has been additionally applied to the modelled simulation procedure, which results in practical guidelines for the optimisation of discharging procedure in terms of energy-fuel consumption and discharging time. These guidelines have proven very valuable in the decision-making process during cargo handling operations.
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