The paper introduces a mixed integer programming model on the selection of a hub port in the East Coast of South America, among a set of 11 ports that are servicing the regional demand for container transportation. Ports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are considered, together with several origin/destination ports in the world. The model minimises total system costs, taking into account both port costs (dues and terminal handling charges) and shipping costs (feedering and mainline). In total, the model consists of 3,883 decision variables and 4,225 constraints. It turns up the port of Santos (Brazil) as the optimal single-hub solution, with the port of Buenos Aires (Argentina) as a close runner up. In addition, the model provides tentative estimates of improvements in demand and costs necessary to bring a certain port up to hub status. Despite some bold assumptions and limitations – mainly due to data availability – the model offers a straightforward decision tool to all ports in the world aspiring to achieve hub status and all that comes with it. Maritime Economics & Logistics (2005) 7, 1–18. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100121

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Currently, only a limited number of dedicated data models for infrastructural artefacts exist. To cover information exchange and interoperability requirements, a number of international initiatives have been started under the umbrella of the buildingSMART organization to extend the predominant IFC model. In this paper, we are introducing a light-weight approach that allows the flexible extension of the IFC model with RDF vocabularies and ontologies. Using real-world quay wall models from the port of Rotterdam we show how information from multiple networked data sources can be seamlessly integrated with IFC models as the main carrier of geometric representation. We demonstrate how these semantically enriched models can be used with unmodified legacy software systems to facilitate a number of interoperability scenarios throughout different lifecycle phases.

The aim of this essay is to encourage the application of the hybrid simulation, combining the discrete and the continuous simulation methodologies. With a conceptual literature review of discrete (Discrete Event) and the continuous (System Dynamics) simulation methodologies that reveals their main features and potential of applicability, it is possible to define the potential of developing hybrid simulation models. The integration of both methodologies in a single model allows the expansion of the comprehension spectrum of the system, with the possibility of integrating the physical and dimensional aspects to policy and behavior patterns, revealing the hybrid methodology as a powerful tool to succeed in the highly demanding business world.

Resumo: Este trabalho descreve os aspectos relacionados com o sistema de cabotagem no Brasil (transporte marítimo costeiro), seus principais agentes, os fatores relacionados com a intermodalidade (transportes rodoviário, ferroviário, fluvial etc.), que corroboram para aumentar a competitividade logística e a eficiência do sistema de transporte, num país de dimensão continental. O escopo do estudo é a revisão bibliográfica sobre o tópico cabotagem, analisá-lo no âmbito do cenário nacional e como este sistema está implantado em alguns países visando a intermodalidade. O cerne do estudo também está na análise da legislação vigente, que define os parâmetros para o sistema de transporte via cabotagem. O resultado do estudo mostra que é essencial a integração entre os sistemas de transportes no território doméstico e que a cabotagem possui um papel essencial no Brasil, além de poder contribuir para o segmento da construção naval brasileira.Palavras Chave: Cabotagem. Intermodalidade. Competitividade. Sistema Logístico. Custos. Abstract:This study describes aspects related to coastal shipping in Brazil and its main actors and intermodal factors (road, rail, fluvial transportation etc.) which corroborate to the increase of logistics competitiveness and efficiency of transportation in a large country like Brazil. The purpose of the study is bibliographic research on the topic, analyzing it inside the Brazilian scenario and also how it has been implemented in some countries. The objective of the study is also analyzing legislation which defines parameters to coastal shipping. This fact interferes directly with the logistics system and its intermodal aspects. If Brazil intends to reduce its logistics costs, coastal shipping should be an effective way to contribute to the Brazilian matrix of transport. Coastal shipping is supposed to bring competitive advantage and reduction of logistic costs. The conclusion is that integration is essential among the systems of domestic transportation and coastal shipping with its outstanding role in this environment, can contribute substantially to the Brazilian maritime industry.

This paper aims the development and employment of a computational tool to support strategic decisions about the planning and sizing of the logistics and production elements of a steel plant (stockyards, transportation fleet, etc.). This tool corresponds to a hybrid software application able to analyze and evaluate the complex logistic problem proposed by combining the techniques of Discrete Event Simulation (DES) Modeling and Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Also, are presented the proposed steel plant logistic system characteristics, as well as the methodologies applied to build the computational tool and to analyze the simulation results. The study concludes that the DES model combined with MCDA methodology is highly efficient regarding complex logistic systems major characteristics assessment.

O presente texto relata a nova abordagem de gerenciamento de materiais utilizados pelas indústria automobilísticas nacionais, visando redução do custo de estoque e armazenagem (redução dos custos logísticos). Descreve o sistema convencional (entrega direta) de abastecimento e relata o sistema de coleta programada de peças, Milk Run, com suas particularidades e características. Faz-se a analogia do Milk Run com o sistema Just-in-Time e descreve-se formas de utilização dos dois sistemas relacionado com a distância (montadora/fornecedor) e volume de material a ser obtido de cada fornecedor dentro da cadeia de suprimentos.

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