Sumitomo Osaka Cement Launches Full-Scale Operation of ALGO ARTIS's Optimization Solution for Cement Shipping Plans

ALGO ARTIS (CEO: Kentaro Nagata, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) announced that it has begun full-scale operation of its planning optimization solution, 'Optium,' for the coastal shipping operations of Sumitomo Osaka Cement (President: Hironori Morohashi, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) as of March 2026. This system was adopted following the success of a pilot program in March 2025, and after subsequent development and operational preparations, it is now being utilized in actual transport operations. In addition to cost reductions through lower fuel consumption, it is also contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions. ALGO ARTIS will continue to work with Sumitomo Osaka Cement to improve the system, contributing to the efficiency of shipping planning and the reduction of environmental impact in cement transport. Challenges in cement shipping planning include numerous constraints such as vessel capacity, number of berths at ports of call, and receiving conditions at each port. Sumitomo Osaka Cement manages coastal transport connecting approximately 50 locations, including plants and service stations, making it a highly complex task that requires responding to sudden events like weather changes and equipment failures. To address these challenges, ALGO ARTIS developed 'Optium' for Sumitomo Osaka Cement, utilizing its proprietary optimization AI. Key features include: 1. Automatic formulation of shipping plans considering complex constraints (vessel status, capacity, berth constraints, third-party orders, and sea conditions). 2. Communication functions to support information sharing among stakeholders. 3. An intuitive interface designed for practical operation. The effects of full-scale operation include cost impacts from fuel savings, CO2 reduction, and improved efficiency in planning and communication. By enabling stakeholders, including branches and shipping companies, to share the same information in real-time, the system has reduced the reliance on individual expertise and improved overall transport efficiency. Shota Kishimoto, Logistics Department at Sumitomo Osaka Cement, commented: 'The current shipping work had many constraints and required manual corrections, leading to high workloads and reliance on specific individuals. We selected Optium for its ability to handle complex operational plans and its flexible UI. ALGO ARTIS worked closely with us to build an optimal UI with high technical capability. We look forward to significant efficiency and cost reduction.'