The optimization of ship weather-routing algorithm based on the composite influence of multi-dynamic elements

• The navigability of the route can be analyzed dynamically to acquire the optimal route.
• Adopting multi-dynamic elements as weighting factors has the benefits in energy efficiency, time-saving and minimum voyage distance.
• The appreciable adaptability in dynamic environments for the speed performance and safety concern.

This study proposes a ship weather-routing algorithm based on the composite influence of multi-dynamic elements for determining the optimized ship routes. The three-dimensional modified isochrone (3DMI) method utilizing the recursive forward technique and floating grid system for the ship tracks is adopted. The great circle sailing (GCR) is considered as the reference route in the earth coordinate system. Illustrative optimized ship routes on the North Pacific Ocean have been determined and presented based on the realistic constraints, such as the presence of land boundaries, non-navigable sea, seaway influences, roll response as well as ship speed loss. The proposed calculation method is effective for optimizing results by adjusting the weighting factors in the objective functions. The merits of the proposed method can be summarized as: (1) the navigability of the route can be analyzed dynamically to acquire the optimal route; (2) adopting multi-dynamic elements as weighting factors has the benefits in energy efficiency, time-saving and minimum voyage distance; and (3) an ability to enhance speed performance and to incorporate safety concern in a dynamic environment.