Review of assembly sequence planning methods in terms of their applicability in shipbuilding processes

The article characterises the sea-going vessel hull assembly processes and then reviews the existing assembly methods of mechanisms and welded ship structures. Classification of these methods is done with respect to selected criteria of their applicability to hull assembly. Selected methods are used for calculations performed on a model structure and exemplary database. The analysed aspects include the performance of calculation algorithms and the quality of the obtained solutions. Particular attention is paid to the need for reduction of experts’ participation in the planning process due to strong search space explosion effect. The performed analyses have enabled the authors to formulate assumptions for models which would be applicable in real assembly planning in shipyards, as well as to indicate areas of further research which would make it possible to better consider the specificity of production of large-size welded structures.