trailer world Issue Two 2013

To ensure passengers can dine on board, a refined logistics must ensure that the storehouse is always full.

MS Europa 2 30 Issue Two 2013 All aboard! Relaxation, entertainment and pleasure at the highest level: That is what cruise organisers promise their guests. To allow for unlimited indulgence, the storage rooms must always be well filled. Malta – Barcelona – Monte Carlo in 14 days: a well thought-through logistics system is be- hind cruise ships such as the MS Europa 2, which does summer cruises through the Mediterranean. Approximately 500 passengers aboard are offered Mediterranean, French and Italian cuisine and cocktails, and so on, in the eight restaurants and six bars on board. A well thought-through provi- sion plan ensures that all the ingredients for this are available. It is based on experience values and is cre- ated for the entire year in advance. Once per week, the giant of the ocean is filled with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, once a month a “full service” takes place with all other food stuffs, such as rice through to champagne - and other con- sumer goods such as toilet paper. The challenge is the limited space on board: there is only a little space for storage and cooling. Further loading is regular- ly only possible in larger harbours and there the lay days and the number of available helpers must also be taken into account in the planning. Most of the time, the suppliers reach the harbour over land by truck, sometimes though by aeroplane. All of this happens in the background; the passen- gers hardly notice. And that’s right: they should be able to enjoy the journey without disturbance. (jg) Functioning logistics supply chain The individual consumption on the ship is monitored by a ma- terials management system. Local ‘ship chandlers’ in the harbour help out if there are shortcomings. HIC aboard The Hotel Inventory Controller (HIC) on board manages the pro- vision area and books all consumption and provi- sions. Inventory The HIC is also regularly used for inventories - in this way, the system delivers a realistic overview of the stock. Orders Furthermore, the HIC puts all required orders for the planned provisions into the system. Logistics personnel The logistician on land triggers the neces- sary individual orders with the suppliers and sets a time limit. Fresh goods Fresh goods 10.8.2013 Monte Carlo 8.8.2013 Barcelona

trailer world Issue Two 2013

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