K Line develops computerised stowage planner

JAPANESE CARRIER Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha has developed a sophisticated computerised system that enables it to easily map out a stowage plan for loading cargo onto a container vessel.
Named Van-Pro, the system makes it possible to produce an optimal stowage plan based on the company's stowage data record.
Running on Microsoft Windows, Van Pro automatically calculates and comes up with the optimal stowage plan from the physical input of cargo size (length, width, height), weight, packing style and the number of packages. Manual calculation and modifications are also possible.
According to Internet news service SchedNet, Van Pro can also create stowage plans for flat-rack containers and open-top containers, after which it automatically chooses the best configuration.