ANADA
logistics perspective
TED STATES
Memphis
Tenn-Tom Waterway ATLANTIC OCEAN
Port of Port of New Mobile Orleans
MEXICO
CEAN
GULF OF MEXICO
CUBA HAITI
BELIZE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PUERTO RICO
JAMAICA
GUATEMALA HONDURAS EL SALVADOR
NICARAGUA COSTA RICA
PANAMA
Panama Canal
VENEZUELA COLUMBIA
EQUADOR PERU
BRAZIL
4-D MODELING
Spoljaric pointed to fourdimensional, or 4-D, modeling as a particularly helpful tool, with real data, not averages, applied in creating a visual portrayal of a sequence of events for project shipments that can give customers and carriers alike a superior view of what to anticipate. “We’re not just dealing with drawings on a piece of paper,” he said. “We’re dealing with something that’s a bit futuristic and that’s cool, too.” The 4-D modeling software enables Bechtel to accurately evaluate risk, cost and schedule in a module shipping program, allowing clients to see probabilities of how the shipping program will operate. For example, with further evaluation of upstream activities, Bechtel can determine the accuracy of readiness dates from the module construction yard. This can go a long way to reduce or even eliminate the need for contingencies that are frequently included in a project in a not-very-scientific manner to cover “what-if” scenarios. “The predictive nature of this 30 BREAKBULK MAGAZINE www.breakbulk.com
A screen shot of a 4-D simulation model shows how Bechtel’s engineered logistics initiative aids in visualization of a complex project cargo move. Credit: University of Houston
innovation will also allow carriers to properly plan to provide transport services without adding unnecessary contingency,” Spoljaric said. “If the simulation model identifies concerns, these can be addressed far in advance by Bechtel and our carriers to develop efficient solutions. “For the size of these giga-projects, the freight spend on modules can be in the hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said. “We need to be as accurate and predictable as possible.”
VIEWING HOLOGRAMS
Meanwhile, 360-degree cameras, drones, self-contained holographic computers and other advanced visual technologies can be used to view modules as holograms during preconstruction and then in real time
throughout construction and transport. “Again, this innovation increases certainty in the plan,” Spoljaric said, adding that it may alleviate unneeded travel by carrier port captains, project managers and Bechtel staff during the fabrication phase. “Dimensions can be taken virtually and the files will be shared with the carriers – and insurance – far in advance of vessel arrival so that there are no surprises during loading,” he said. “Improved safety and avoiding wasted time will be the biggest benefits.” Wilson said an initial advantage is likely to come in, speeding the ability to respond to potential concerns before they become costly problems. “Sometimes, getting from here to there isn’t necessarily different,” he said, “but how quickly we do it may be.” Spoljaric emphasized that the Engineered Logistics approach is applicable not just to ocean transport, but can be integrated across the full spectrum of modes. This includes trucking, with which he has extensive professional experience from his work prior to joining Bechtel in 2012. “It’s not going to solve every problem,” Spoljaric said, “but I think it’s going to make things more predictable.” Indeed, the objective is to reach 95 percent to 97 percent predictability – not quite perfect but considerably better than the current industry-accepted standard. “Innovation is definitely not a destination,” Spoljaric said. “This is the opportunity to challenge one another in what we’re doing, to get things more standard so we get more creative. “The traditional way is still there, but now there’s this other way,” he said, “I think we’re just scratching the surface of the potential for some of these things.” BB A veteran transportation writer for the past 40 years, U.S.-based Paul Scott Abbott specializes in maritime topics. ISSUE 5 / 2016