Energy Efficiency of Integrated Transport and Logistics Systems

Abstract

AbstractEconomic development trends are objective towards globalization and formation of integrated transport and logistics systems that include consumers, production and logistics of supply and distribution. In these conditions, improving the efficiency of logistics is a development vector that should be set by state and international organizations. Logistic operations are energy intensive and have a negative impact on the environment. Costs are not an appropriate metric. Improving energy efficiency in logistics is critical to the sustainability of the economy and can be achieved through rational management of goods and transport flows, efficient use of energy resources and production capacities. Measuring energy efficiency makes it possible to diagnose current situation, identify potential for promotion and develop a strategy aimed at improving the efficiency of logistics. The article proposes a conceptual framework for identifying different system levels in the logistics system, where the potential for improving energy efficiency of integrated transport and logistics systems can be found. The article emphasizes the need for a standardized approach to measuring the energy efficiency of logistics, which allows comparisons between transport systems, and also outlines approaches to the study of indicators for assessing the energy efficiency of an individual voyage of a ship, a shipping company, or assessing the energy efficiency of a supply chain.KeywordsEnergy efficiencyShipLogistics system