Yard Logistics: Framework and Classification of Yard Types

For shipyards and offshore construction yards delivering highly customized and complex products via an engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing approach, the importance of logistics performance is increasing. This is occurring because of lower profit margins and more challenging market environments, especially in the Norwegian yard industry. However, yard logistics has not yet received adequate academic attention, and there is a lack of knowledge on how to address the current need for more cost-efficient logistics at yards. Therefore, this paper aims to develop and structure knowledge on yard logistics. Via a multiple case study of eight Norwegian yards, this paper builds on empirical evidence to establish a definition and description of yards as logistics systems in ETO manufacturing. Specifically, the paper outlines the constituents and main activities of yard logistics and describes the key characteristics of yard logistics. Furthermore, a classification model is developed to differentiate between the logistics requirements of three main types of yards: fabrication yards, outfitting yards, and service yards. This classification helps in understanding the specific logistics needs and challenges faced by different types of yards, contributing to the academic literature and providing practical insights for practitioners to enhance yard logistics performance.