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Title
Preliminary optimization-based selection of bulk carriers for polymetallic nodule transport in the Clarion–Clipperton zone using Excel Solver

ISSN printed: 1733-8670, ISSN on-line: 2392-0378
Kacprzak, Paweł1
URI: https://repository.pm.szczecin.pl/handle/123456789/2910
2026-06-30
This article presents a preliminary method for selecting a standard bulk carrier intended for the loading and transportation of polymetallic nodules in the Clarion–Clipperton zone. The selection process is driven by key operational parameters, including the ship’s deadweight tonnage (DWT), the number of required bulk carriers, the loading time, and the annual fuel consumption. The mathematical models are developed for each parameter as a function of DWT, and a composite objective function is formulated to balance these criteria. The optimization task is performed using the Solver add-in within Excel. The results indicate that bulk carriers with a DWT between 12,000 and 24,000 tons are suitably aligned with the selected parameters, with optimal values depending on the prioritization of operational factors. Accordingly, handysize bulk carriers may be considered appropriate for the transportation of nodules from the Clarion–Clipperton zone to the discharge port.
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Title

Preliminary optimization-based selection of bulk carriers for polymetallic nodule transport in the Clarion–Clipperton zone using Excel Solver

Pages

Figures

4

Tables

2

ISSN printed

1733-8670

ISSN on-line

2392-0378

DOI

10.17402/683

Type

Original scientific article

Journal

86 Scientific Journals of the Maritime University of Szczecin, no. 86 / 2026

Publisher

Scientific Journals Maritime University of Szczecin, Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Morskiej w Szczecinie

Copyright Holder

Scientific Journals Maritime University of Szczecin, Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Morskiej w Szczecinie

Published

2026-06-30

Recieved

2025-10-29

Accepted

2026-01-14

Funding

No data

Keywords

nodules, bulk carrier, loading, solver, optimization

URI:

https://repository.pm.szczecin.pl/handle/123456789/2910

Language

English

Authors

Kacprzak, Paweł1

Affiliation

1 Gdynia Maritime University, Faculty of Navigation 81-87 Morska St., 81-225 Gdynia, Poland, p.kacprzak@am.szczecin.pl

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