Ship Parts Logistics – Logwin experiences increasing demand.
Grevenmacher (Luxembourg) – More and more ships only order spare parts when they need them since this saves procurement and storage costs. Logwin, the international logistics services provider, is also seeing this trend with the demand for its Ship Parts Logistics special service growing by 28 % in the last three years. Shipowners are benefiting from cooperation with a logistics specialist because they can save costs as a result of improved transport conditions.
Storage space for own equipment is limited on ships and it is impossible to carry several replacement parts for every important component. While several parts used to be carried for each of the most important technical components for navigation, the bridge and machinery, most ships today usually only have a single part on board. “ The trend is clearly away from storing spare parts on board and towards ordering them when required,” says Helmut Kaspers, COO of the business segment Air + Ocean of Logwin AG. This saves space and last but not least costs. However, a replacement must be delivered very quickly when a part breaks down. Idle times are expensive. If a ship cannot leave port its schedule and cost structures are disrupted.
A fast, global delivery service is the answer. Logwin in Hamburg for example receives several Ship Parts orders each week. Staff collect the required replacement parts from prescribed dealers and organize transport and delivery. Customers include shipyards, shipowners and supply or operating companies. “ It doesn’t matter whether it’s a small electronic component, an entire crank shaft or an anchor chain weighing several tonnes – we can supply ships and shipyards with all types of replacement parts and components,” explains Helmut Kaspers. For transportation Logwin can call on the many synergies it enjoys as an international logistics services provider. “ Our Ship Parts customers benefit from the highest level of service at the most favorable conditions when booking freight space, planning transport capacities and arranging interim storage,” says Helmut Kaspers.
- Global service – regional expertise
Shipments reach their destination by air freight, sea freight or truck in the shortest possible time. “ An order is sometimes so urgent that we have to deliver the replacement parts half way around the world within 48 hour of receipt of the order,” according to Helmut Kaspers. Depending on the ship’s location, one of Logwin’s 18 regional Ship Parts Logistics Centers is responsible for final delivery.centers are situated in Athens, Bangkok, Dubai, Hamburg, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Larnaca, London, Miami, Milan, Perth, São Paulo, Santiago de Chile, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Valletta. The centers also hold consignment stock. Logwin regularly procures ship parts from numerous manufacturers in various countries and stores them here until they are ordered.
Logwin manages the delivery of replacement parts from the logistics centers within the region in close coordination with its global network of locations. Delivery is usually made to the port or shipyard, or even on board the ship if requested. “ Our colleagues in the region know exactly what is expected,” explains Helmut Kaspers. “ They are familiar with the safety regulations, customs provisions and conditions of delivery in their region.” Customers are kept up to date at all times about the current status of their shipment via the “ Logwin Boat” IT platform. The IT tool is also used to manage stock levels in the 18 Ship Parts Logistics Centers.