Search Results (13)

Improved navigability can enhance inland waterway transportation efficiency, contributing to synchro-modal logistics and promoting sustainable development in regions that can benefit from the presence of considerable waterways. Modern technological solutions, such as digital twins in corridor management systems, must integrate functions of navigability forecasts that provide timely and reliable information for safe trip planning. This information needs to account for the type of vessel and for the environmental and geomorphological characteristics of each navigation trait. This paper presents a case study, within the EU project CRISTAL, focusing on the Italian Po River, of which the navigability forecast requirements of a digital twin are illustrated. Preliminary results to deliver navigability risk information were obtained. In particular, the statistical correlation of water discharge and water depth, computed from historical data, suggested that efficient forecast models for navigability risk, given some water discharge forecasts, could be built. To this aim, the LSTM (long-short-term-memory) technique was used on the same data to provide models linking water discharge and water depth predictions. Future work involves further testing these models with updated real data and integrating outcomes with climatic and infrastructure management information to enhance the accuracy of the risk information. Full article

The logistics landscape in e-commerce is undergoing a profound transformation toward sustainability and autonomy. This paper explores the implementation of autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation solutions to optimize the entire logistics chain from factory to customer. Building on the lessons learned from the maritime industry’s digital transformation, the study identifies key features and proposes a forward-looking autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation system. Emphasizing the role of geospatial technologies, the proposed system employs GIS-based electronic route optimization for efficient goods delivery, integrating onboard and ashore GIS-based sensors for enhanced location precision. A case study was built to analyze the implementation of autonomous means of transport along the route of a product from factory to customer. The integration of autonomous systems shows substantial improvements in logistics performance. Synchromodal logistics and smart steaming techniques can be utilized to optimize transportation routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The findings reveal that autonomous maritime and last-mile transport systems can significantly enhance the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of e-commerce logistics. The study emphasizes the need for advanced technological integration and provides a comprehensive framework for future research and practical applications in the logistics industry. Full article

The transport sector accounts for approximately a quarter of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with freight transport alone accounting for about one-third of the overall transport-related emissions. Mitigating the sector’s environmental impact is crucial for tackling climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. Modal shift is one of the main solutions to address this challenge; however, many companies have yet to realize its full potential. This paper presents a survey conducted in the Flanders region of Belgium, aiming to identify the challenges and barriers faced by industry players in this key geographical area and to explore the reasons behind the limited implementation of synchromodal transport among them. The survey evaluates the current state of synchromodal transport adoption and offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainability in the logistics sector. The findings emphasize that to overcome the identified challenges, both policy support and the companies’ commitment are required. Policy support includes establishing consistent regulations and promoting greener transport modes through providing incentives and technological advancements. This research contributes to the field by examining barriers to the adoption of synchromodality and exploring its application within the context of Flanders. By focusing on this strategic logistics hub, the study provides insights and recommendations tailored to the specific challenges of the region’s logistics sector. The challenges faced by industry players in Flanders offer a deeper understanding of modal shift dynamics, facilitating informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Implementing these strategies paves the way for more environmentally friendly, efficient, and integrated transport, benefiting both the industry and the planet. Full article

The increasing demand for freight services and the use of larger vessels to meet this demand has led to challenges related to storage space and logistics activities, highlighting the need for improvements in port infrastructure for better logistics management. At a crucial phase in its growth, the Port of Trois-Rivières in Canada is planning a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal to enhance its hosting capacities and freight services. This expansion faces potential access congestion problems during the planned construction, exacerbated by the port’s urban setting. In response to the needs identified by the port authorities for this event, the study’s objective is to assess the implications of increased construction and freight truck flows on access gate fluidity and the impact of additional access infrastructure investment to mitigate potential congestion. These evaluations aim to define effective access management strategies throughout the construction period of the new terminal. To address these complexities, our approach is based on scenario analysis in variants co-constructed with the partner. These scenarios are evaluated using simulation models, configured according to parameters calibrated with a granularity that allows congestion detection. The results enabled an evaluation of the capability of existing and potential gates to manage access. Subsequently, recommendations were shaped in accordance with the expected objectives to manage access traffic effectively. These recommendations concern the optimization of construction activity planning, the layout and planning of access, and the importance of enhanced collaboration between municipal and port authorities for more controlled road traffic management. Recognizing the importance of synchromodality, road network centrality management, and the outsourcing of capacity through inter-port cooperation and with dry ports to manage congestion, these tools will be discussed in this work. The study proposes an approach that reconciles scientific rigor with the implementation constraints of the proposed solutions, allowing this study wider applicability in various port contexts facing challenges in this field of study. Full article

Logistics is significantly impacted by quality/quantity issues associated with data collection and data sharing restrictions. Nonetheless, public data from national entities and internet-of-things (IoT) solutions enable the development of integrated tools for performance analysis and real-time optimization of logistics networks. This study proposes a three-module data-driven system architecture that covers (a) logistics data collection tools, (b) logistics services performance evaluation, and (c) the transition to synchromodal systems. Module 1 integrates multisource data from national logistics platforms and embedded devices placed within intermodal containers. A multigraph representation of the problem is conceived. Environmental, economic, and operational data are generated and injected into a digital twin. Thus, key performance indicators (KPIs) are computed by simulation or direct transformation of the collected data. Module 2 uses Multi-directional Efficiency Analysis, an optimization algorithm that benchmarks multimodal transportation routes of containers using prior KPIs. Outputs are a technical performance index relevant to logistics clients and improvement measures for logistics service providers. A real case study application of the solution proposed for Module 2 is presented. Module 3 provides real-time scheduling and assignment models using CP-sat solvers, accommodating varying system dynamics and resource availability, minimizing makespan and operational costs. Full article

The search for more sustainable freight transport has been the focus in the last decades. In this way, the concept of synchromodality was built considering the collaboration of shippers and logistic service providers to enable real-time switching between transport modes and mode-free transport bookings, encouraging more flexible and sustainable freight transportation. However, there are several challenges to its implementation in real life, which is the focus of this paper. To achieve this, in addition to a literature study, a case study was conducted in Flanders, using a combination of qualitative methods, i.e., focus groups (FG) and expert interviews, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Challenges such as real-time decision making, limited infrastructure capacity, and the need for stakeholder collaboration were emphasized. Expert insights highlight the need for a forecast-based approach to facilitate mode shift decisions, particularly from roadway to inland waterway transport (IWT). The analysis underscores the potential benefits of the proposed synchromodal technology while acknowledging the requirements needed to make it real. Full article

Synchromodality is an emerging concept in supply chain management. A synchromodal supply chain can be defined as a multimodal transportation planning system, wherein the different agents work in an integrated and flexible way that enables them to dynamically adapt the transport mode based on real-time information from stakeholders, customers, and the logistic network. The potential of synchromodality for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry is related to the nature of business. The FMCG market is characterized by relatively low margins and high turnover, which is especially important in export supply chains. However, for a company, it may be challenging to objectively evaluate the costs and benefits, not to mention the design of a synchronized supply chain. In order to facilitate the adoption of the concept and guide the practitioners, our study put forward the following research questions: What should be considered in incorporating synchromodality in the export supply chain for FMCG? How should companies approach tradeoffs among factors affecting the supply chain? To answer these questions, we propose an adaptable framework, which should be considered a primary contribution of our study. The framework incorporates the center of gravity model, mixed integer linear programming, and sensitivity analysis. The framework is validated using a real-world problem from a multinational FMCG company. The problem involves the optimal volume allocation and the selection of the most efficient transportation mode for inland freight. Our study demonstrates that incorporating synchromodality in the export supply chain could reduce the overall cost by 9% and enhance flexibility by allowing multiple modes of transportation. Full article

Synchromodal transportation is a novel multimodal transportation concept. It builds on a collaboration of shippers and logistic service providers to enable real-time switching between transport modes and mode-free transport bookings, enabling more flexible and sustainable freight transportation. This paper summarizes the current state of research since 2010 by means of a systematic literature review. A comprehensive taxonomy consisting of five dimensions and 13 categories for both qualitative and quantitative papers is developed. The results reveal a mixed picture, with high consistency in geographical areas of synchromodal transportation implementation and suitable modeling of operational disruptions and uncertainties. However, compared to multimodal or road transportation, there is little alignment in the forms of collaboration, network organization, or the advantages of synchromodal transportation. Finally, the main fields for future research are identified, namely business, legal, technological, modeling, and awareness. Full article

Synchromodality is the key to finding sustainable solutions for logistics, especially across larger networks. The era of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought special attention to the disruptions in demand and supply across the world and has accentuated the need for sustainable transportation networks to handle such anomalies in supply chains. The proposed research develops a mathematical model for an intermodal transportation network and investigates the model on one of the largest and most widely discussed supply chain projects of the One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR) initiative. The proposed bi-objective model focuses on time and cost functions with rail, roads, and ships as modes of transportation. A detailed analysis was performed on various mode alternatives and links to evaluate their performance. The study provides an insightful understanding of the network with several suggestions. In contrast to roads and trains, container ships depict a fourfold increase in fuel consumption for an average ship weighing 4500 TEUs with the increase in shipping speed. It was concluded that increasing port capacity and reducing custom clearance time can have a major impact on lead times, and this is directly influenced by a country’s ease of doing business. Moreover, with its several branches, the OBOR initiative can provide a robust supply chain with increased logistical capacity. Full article

Slow steaming, i.e., the possibility to ship vessels at a significantly slower speed than their nominal one, has been widely studied and implemented to improve the sustainability of long-haul supply chains. However, to create an efficient symbiosis with the paradigm of synchromodality, an evolution of slow steaming called smart steaming is introduced. Smart steaming is about defining a medium speed execution of shipping movements and the real-time adjustment (acceleration and deceleration) of traveling speeds to pursue the entire logistic system’s overall efficiency and sustainability. For instance, congestion in handling facilities (intermodal hubs, ports, and rail stations) is often caused by the common wish to arrive as soon as possible. Therefore, smart steaming would help avoid bottlenecks, allowing better synchronization and decreasing waiting time at ports or handling facilities. This work aims to discuss the strict relationships between smart steaming and synchromodality and show the potential impact of moving from slow steaming to smart steaming in terms of sustainability and efficiency. Moreover, we will propose an analysis considering the pros, cons, opportunities, and risks of managing operations under this new policy. Full article

Synchro-modal supply chain eco-NET (SYNCHRO-NET) is a Horizon 2020 European research project aimed at overcoming the stress due to the increasing transportation distances, the higher complexity, and the vulnerability of international supply chains. In order to foster sustainability, quality, and reliability of such supply chains, SYNCHRO-NET mainly exploits the impact and the possible benefits coming from slow/smart-steaming and synchro-modality transportation strategies, and the related business models. The aim of this paper is to summarize and disseminate the main developments and scientific contributions coming from the project. In particular, the working core of the SYNCHRO-NET solution is an integrated and cloud-based eco-system of optimization and simulation software modules that supports stakeholders’ decisions in freight transportation and logistics management at strategic, operational, and real-time levels. The platform has achieved a high grade of automation in several processes to overcome all the issues related to human-based operations. The efficiency and effectiveness of the overall platform have been tested on three case studies considering pan-European and regional trade lanes, as well as commercial activities between the Far East and European ports. The project results and outputs also allow us to analyze barriers and opportunities of the approach, industrial and academic developments, and relations with emerging technologies. Full article

Synchromodality is described as a network of well-synchronised and interconnected transportation modes. One of the most important advantages of synchromodality is the development of a sustainable transportation system. Given the numerous stakeholders and network interdependencies within freight transport corridors, achieving efficient coordination and management is complex. In this paper, we regard information exchange as one of the main enablers of collaboration between the infrastructure managers. We developed a digital single-player simulation game called “Modal Manager” comprising logistic service providers and infrastructure managers. Each player takes over the role of an infrastructure manager who must use information provision as a tool to control flows in a network where various planned and unplanned disruptions occur. We include the game in a session where participants are able to interact with the game and with each other. The first gameplay session with Dutch experts revealed that infrastructure managers perceive synchromodality as a way to cope with disruptions more efficiently. On the other hand, the concept of synchromodal corridor management is ambiguous and various legal and governance barriers exist that hinder its implementation. Full article

The logistics sector faces substantial challenges in meeting customer demands for higher service quality, speed and flexibility under conditions of continued growth in world trade and worldwide transportation movements, increasing distances and vulnerabilities of the supply chain. Additional challenges relate to the economic and environmental sustainability of logistics operations. While a lot of attention was devoted in the past decades to the operational and technical aspects, the business development phase has been put aside, causing the market failure of several projects. The paper presents the SYNCHRO-modal supply chain eco-NET (SYNCHRO-NET) project, which will demonstrate the effectiveness of slow steaming combined with synchro-modality in reducing the cost and the emissions of international supply chains and improving reliability and sustainability through the optimization of the planning process. Differently from other similar projects, SYNCHRO-NET combines operational aspects with a business perspective and represents a stakeholder-driven approach aimed at developing a close-to-market solution over the timeframe of the project. Full article