Wood chip supply from forest to port of loading – A simulation study

Maritime transport facilitates trade with bioenergy feedstocks in the Baltic region. The study aims to provide guidance on efficient organisation of logistics at port loading for maritime wood chips. economic effects using an intermediate terminal as opposed direct delivery were studied, well relationships between production capacity and storage capacity. Discrete-Event Simulation was used analyse scenarios where a variable part volume is handled through terminal. total supply cost, including chipping, transportation, handling inland port, ship, varied €6.73 7.85 per MWh different scenarios. passing had significant influence showing chain cost increase €0.78 m 3 (approximately €4.67 dry tonne) material delivered difference determines whether volumes affect costs, which shown by sensitivity analysis. Even so, offers possibility manage uncertainty, both rates shipping date, influences network. main advantage simulation technique planning logistic flows visualisation risks margins. • represents conditions small rural biofuels. Total was, average, €4.7/odt higher volumes. Storage compared be critical factor. proved valuable evaluating margins production.