A New Methodology for Optimization of Lashing Lines in the Securing Arrangement of Non-Standardized Cargo on Ships

1. IntroductionThe most common merchant ships by number are general cargo ships [1], representing 13.1% of the world fleet, and are a type of fleet in constant growth from a dead weight in tons point of view, despite the strong impact of containerization of the last decades [2,3]. Nevertheless, on the one hand, some extra-large, very specialized general cargo items are not suitable to be loaded in a standardized container; for, this reason, the presence of general cargo ships is still in demand. Therefore, general cargo ships (or multipurpose vessels) play an important role in the freight of modern maritime transport. On the other hand, the heavy industry and renewables cargo items, among others, have experienced an increase in demand for multipurpose cargo vessels, heavy-lift vessels, or open-deck carriers in the last years [4]. Consequently, due to the very nature of shipments transported on board these vessels, a more bespoke carriage service is presented, making the manual human in...