Autoship D2.1 - Complete supply chain mapping & identifications of interactions between SSS and IWW demonstrators

Abstract

A generic supply chain model for a Short Sea Shipping (SSS) use-case and an Inland Waterways (IWW) use-case is developed through an analysis of their respective supply chains. The supply chain models for each of the two use-cases is developed based on interviews with the two demonstrators' operators. The analysis shows that the two models can be generalized into one generic model with common phases. The following common phases that are applicable to both the SSS and IWW use cases were defined in the generic supply chain model: • Phase 1: Carry out activities at location. • Phase 2: Depart from location when necessary activities are completed. • Phase 3: Sail towards next location. • Phase 4: Approach location. • Phase 5: Carry out maintenance in parallel with Phase 1 - 4. The analysis also shows that it is not possible to define a unified model that connects the two use-cases into one supply chain. The SSS demonstrator transports bulk cargo whereas the IWW demonstrator transports pallets, big-bags and roll-on-roll-off containers. The two demonstrators also operate in separate geographical areas and in markets with no natural link to each other. However, two proposals for unified supply chain models are developed by assuming that • the SSS-use case is extended with the distribution of raw material to the fish feed producer. • the SSS use-case can be used for general cargo transport. An important result of the analysis is that navigating SSS and IWW ships, in what first appears to be different environments, can be generalized into the same phases when their operations and interactions with other objects are analysed and compared with each other. None of the demonstrators are involved in the production and consumption processes but may still have an impact on them in case of delays and deviations in the transport system. The manning level on the ship is the biggest difference between the SSS and IWW demonstrators. The SSS demonstrator has a crew of seven and the IWW demonstrator has a crew of one. This difference has several consequences of which maintenance might be the most important. Maintenance is a major challenge for unmanned ships as many crew members on manned ships have daily maintenance as one of their main responsibilities. The daily maintenance consists of tasks such as signal checks, ship and equipment cleaning, oil and filter changes and minor equipment repair. Although maintenance is performed while sailing for the SSS demonstrator, it is done at quay for the IWW demonstrator. Investigating the differences in how maintenance is handled will be an important continuation of this work, and a valuable contribution towards solving the challenge of maintenance for unmanned ships.