Optimization of Hiring Shipping Capacity with System Dynamics

摘要

This paper shows the possibility of system dynamics implementation when hiring shipping capacity in a shipping company. Three key variables will be put in relation to demonstrate how the system works: hiring shipping capacity directly through a shipping agent; shipping agent′s offer closing delay because there is not enough shipping capacity, accepting the offer with the expansion of one′s own shipping capacity, hiring or buying other ships. Hiring exclusively through a shipping agent is in direct relation to the possibilities of the system expansion, which opens up the possibilities of market expansion, higher income and consequently higher net profit. Offer closing delay makes a significant link in the system because it raises the question of what is going to be gained, or lost, with the delay. The delay can mean that something is becoming incompetitive or unwanted on the market. Accepting the offer, with previous simulation of the employment optimization of the required shipping capacity, means company′s business efficiency and represents it on the market as a reliable partner. The possibility of expanding by renting the shipping capacity will depend upon freight or financial possibilities as well as decisions regarding the capital investment in new ships. The model was tested in real conditions through the example of the shipping company Atlantska plovidba Inc. The programme capacity DYNAMO from 2004 is used to show the simulation results.