SSPA (Sweden)

PurposeThere can be many negative effects from a disruption in a central node of companies' supply chains, such as a port conflict that reduces capacity. Strategies for disruption management include flexibility and redundancy. This paper aims to analyse a supply chain disruption from flexibility and capacity perspectives.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted of the supply chain disruption caused by the port conflict in 2016–2017 in Gothenburg, in which the port operated at a reduced capacity. Companies importing and exporting goods, freight forwarders, hauliers, train operators, ports, shipping companies and their agents were interviewed.FindingsVarious capacity problems (ports, links, container chassis, empty containers) were encountered due to the port conflict. Flexibility measures such as node, mode and fleet flexibility can be used in response to changes in capacity. Difficulties with applying flexibility are discussed.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough based on a Swedish case, findings are relevant for disruptions or other types of disturbances in ports elsewhere and also in other important nodes in companies' supply chains.Practical implicationsActors influenced by disturbances in a port can increase their understanding of potential capacity problems and flexibility measures. Readiness and timely action are important due to competition regarding capacity.Originality/valueThe implications on the transport network surrounding a port, including many actors, are explained, illustrating how capacity problems propagate, but there is some flexibility to manage the problems.

This paper presents a numerical analysis on the induced relation between hull surface roughness and ship performance and discuss how to maintain hull-surface with cost and environmental impact in mind.The analysis is based on CFD simulation of the ship performance due to change of hull surface roughness condition before/after dry-docking and in-water hull cleaning.A typical tanker ship, KVLCC2 is investigated for 14 different partial cleaning cases.The attainable reduction of propulsive power by hull surface treatment is estimated as an index, Cleaning Efficiency Index (CEI).A clear understanding is obtained how hull geometry has profound implication for the effect of roughness on the change of power.Partial hull cleaning of fore-end and stern-aft part of the hull was found to give higher relative CEI than entire hull cleaning.The present study provides guidelines which part of the hull to treat during dry-docking and hull cleaning process with better quality or higher priority if necessary.

Abstract As the IAU heads towards its second century, many changes have simultaneously transformed Astronomy and the human condition world-wide. Amid the amazing recent discoveries of exoplanets, primeval galaxies, and gravitational radiation, the human condition on Earth has become blazingly interconnected, yet beset with ever-increasing problems of over-population, pollution, and never-ending wars. Fossil-fueled global climate change has begun to yield perilous consequences. And the displacement of people from war-torn nations has reached levels not seen since World War II.

ABSTRACTImproving load factor is relevant for shippers due to its potential in reducing both transport costs and emissions. The purpose is to structure shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor according to required and available capacity. A framework is developed from literature, and in-depth understanding is provided by three cases, with data mainly collected through semi-structured interviews. Shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor are structured per decreasing, increasing, or reallocating required or available capacity. Required capacity can be changed by adjusting number of items, item characteristics, and how items are combined. Available capacity can be changed by adjusting number and type of units. Changes that improved load factor are described in detail for each case. Load factor is calculated for the packaging and shipping levels. An approach that logistics managers can apply to identify opportunities relevant to their situations is presented. Findings are relevant to researchers within transport efficiency and green logistics.