Solving the Tramp Ship Dispatching Problem Using ACA

In the context of the COA signed by Sinopetrol and CSTANKER, this paper try to optimize ship operating plan through the ant colony algorithm (ACA). Based on the practical operation, the ship scheduling optimization model is formulated. And then, we try to solve the model through ACA. Finally, we schedule a real problem through the program. And it is proven that the schedule made by the program is as perfect as the one made by the traditional linear programming.