Sustainable Logistics Networks in Sparsely Populated Areas

Abstract

A logistics network is the ‘connective tissue’ in a comprehensive supply chain and often the decisive factor for the chain’s ultimate success. Logistics networks in sparsely populated areas are facing different challenges than those that operating in relatively densely inhabited ones. This paper discusses, firstly, various critical success factors of a logistics network in order for it to sustain in sparsely populated areas. The challenges of establishing and operating a logistics network in sparsely populated areas are then identified and discussed. A case study has been conducted in the context of a region in Northern Norway where the average population rate is 4.3 persons each square kilometer. The paper suggests that, by combining reverse logistics networks with forward ones; social, economic and environmental sustainable logistics networks can be achieved. The challenges of integrating forward and reverse logistics networks in Northern Norway are discussed in the final part

Prospects of applying 3-D printing to economics of remote communities

“…The Norwegian case (Solvang and Hakam, 2010) has been applied to calculate this surplus cost. Following this example, goods after having been delivered from Oslo to Narvik by train (that is about 250 km) are distributed by trucks to the main centers such as Tromso located inside a traditional reindeer herding area Troms another 250 km away.…”

“…Other obvious advantages that might be offered by the use of 3-D printing for the local goods manufacturing is the attainment of self-sufficiency in the supply chain, that as it was discussed can be of a serious concern for herders settled in mountain areas exposed to the extreme Arctic and sub-Arctic climate (Solvang and Hakam, 2010), and one of the main advantages of 3-D printing contributing to a more secure supply chain is its uniform raw material input. The latter feature implies that after 3-D printing introduction, the variety of products to be supplied to the site shrinks notably, allowing to develop a more efficient logistics for the supplies.…”

“…However, northern groups of indigenous people who live as nomadic reindeer herders face a variety of inconveniences, namely the dramatic remoteness of herders' camps from industrial centers, poor roads or even the full absence of them, extreme climate conditions, a difficult landscape and low population density in the regions where reindeer husbandry takes place. Therefore, they might experience dire challenges related to the lack of security in supply chains (Solvang and Hakam, 2010) and exorbitant prices for cargo delivery (Yu et al, 2014;Hageback and Segerstedt, 2004). Research in distributed manufacturing with solar-powered RepRaps (King et al, 2014) has shown that isolated communities are capable of making an assortment of products for themselves on location (Gwamuri et al, 2014;Khan et al, 2018).…”

Nordic Container Port Sustainability Performance—A Conceptual Intelligent Framework

“…The Nordic region can often be characterized by its arctic or sub-arctic climate, sparse population and long dis-tance to main markets [37]. This is accompanied by a full usage of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems, a qualified labor and a relatively low automation level.…”

“…Both SDM and PERS are basic steps towards the accomplishment of the port's Environmental Management System (EMS) which in turn helps in the achievement of ISO 14001/EMAS certifications. For more detailed on this subject, it is referred to [37].…”