Supply chain optimization will reduce shipping emissions and benefit the environment - DNV

Posted February 21, 2011 - DNV - Author: Per Wiggo Richardsen

Oslo: Together with partners in the MARLEN project, DNV recently completed the development of a supply chain performance tool for calculating the environmental impact and energy efficiency of maritime logistics chains. Two case studies used to evaluate the tool demonstrated how increased use of shipping can achieve environmental and financial benefits for the supply chain as a whole.
The Maritime Logistics Chains and the Environment project (MARLEN), established in 2008, has developed tools to map environmental performance of a logistics chain (“As-Is”) and to evaluate the potential consequences of changes in parts of the chain may have for the chain as a whole (“What-If”).
The tools were tested on Höegh Autoliners’ multimodal distribution system for transporting new cars from the production plant to inland distribution centers. A model was developed to optimize the total distribution system on a cost only, environmental performance only, or weighted combination basis changing parameters such as the number and location of ports, type of ships, sailing frequency and the use of rail or road inland. The results showed that costs and total energy consumption could be reduced when the proportion of transportation performed by ships was increased.
A second case study analyzed ...

Complete story at:
http://www.dnv.com/press_area/press_releases/2011/supplychainoptimizationwillreduceshipemissionsandbenefittheenvironment.asp