The adverse effects of inappropriate vessel loading have long been recognised in the maritime community. According to a Lloyd's Register survey, since 1990 there have been over 34 incidents involving bulk carriers causing severe damage to 16 vessels, and the loss of 18 vessels and 250 lives. VLCCs also have severe problems with onboard cargo distribution. Large tanker vessels have a carrying capacity of 400,000 metric tonnes, and as many as 40 different tanks. Partially loading such a vessel (whilst meeting operational constraints), can result in loads with high stress levels. In the long term, this may lead to early deterioration of the hull structure.

The loading and distribution of cargo is seen as a contributing factor of shipping accidents. Such loading needs to be optimised, in order to ensure a vessel carries maximum cargo with minimum stress on its structure. Up to 30 different types of cargo may be carried within the cargo tanks, and their arrangement must comply with the safety, operational and stabililty constraints specified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

CAMEL Loading software has been developed as a Load Planning & Optimisation software package, to improve the ship's operation.

Cargo planning is carried out with instant response to any change in loading or tank conditions. Stability criteria and stress analysis are calculated in accordance with Classification Society requirements. Special features include stress optimization & draft survey. CAMEL Loading software for Windows provides an immediate and reliable response to enquiries about optimal loading strategies, both from the point of view of stress and the maximum cargo quantity that can potentially be loaded (given ship and port operational constraints).

The software can run on any Windows PC system.