HUB logistics and Meyer Turku Oy have entered into a new agreement covering the internal logistics operations at Meyer’s Turku shipyard, including the storage of standard parts for hull construction, related transportation and the transport of outfitting materials within the shipyard. The agreement took effect in June 2024.
Meyer Turku is one of the largest and most modern shipyards in the world, building some of the largest, most technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly cruise ships. During peak production periods, approximately 7 000 people work at the Turku shipyard, which has built a total of 1 300 ships over its long history.
The collaboration between HUB logistics and Meyer Turku began in spring 2021 with the storage of standard parts for hull construction and related transportation services. The internal logistics operations are now expanding to include equipment logistics and the sorting of materials for the outfitting phase.
Throughout the collaboration, there has been a focus on comprehensive optimization. According to Anssi Tura, Development Director at HUB logistics, the key objective has been to streamline the movement of materials within the shipyard and improve the quality of material flow in the shipyard’s production and logistics processes.
– For example, the storage of standard parts for hull construction has been a significant part of the development work, advancing from basics to more optimized solutions. The transportation equipment was also acquired to better meet the needs of the shipyard. With the new equipment, we can transport larger quantities of materials at once. By optimizing transport routes, we can reduce traffic within the shipyard, improving safety and considering the environmental impact of transportation, Tura explains.
– In short, through our core internal logistics tasks, we enable the success of shipyard operations. Our goal with efficient internal logistics is to allow for a faster turnaround time for ship outfitting by delivering materials timely and in the correct quantities and transferring tasks related to the material flow to the responsibility of internal logistics, Tura continues.
Meyer executes project-based production at a single point, creating the world’s largest ships with technically advanced ship technology, largely customized to customer needs. Execution happens on a tight schedule; for example, the Icon of the Seas ship was completed just over a year after hull construction began.
– Such schedules pose enormous challenges for the supply chain. Optimizing material flows to match production cycles is critical. Inventory management is particularly demanding during peak production times, often resulting in a spike at the end of production. Operations are cyclical, and creating a predictable and consistent material flow is essential for optimizing the logistics process and our fundamental challenge, says Saija Bezuidenhout, Meyer Turku’s Head of Group/Central Warehouse & Outfitting Material Logistics.
Bezuidenhout emphasizes the importance of advancing logistics processes to a new level for Meyer.
– To achieve our strategy of being the best in our field and building the world’s most advanced ships as efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible, we need to critically examine and develop logistics functions and related processes. This requires innovation in supply chain execution and system development. We need to trust that our partners can deliver on their promises. I see HUB logistics as a partner that supports Meyer in this goal. Together, we are building a future of quality and efficient processes driven by data and transparency, helping us understand cause-and-effect relationships better.
The production environment and its scale present many challenges for Meyer Turku’s partners. According to Bezuidenhout, HUB has performed well in its role.
– HUB has become part of Meyer’s production process. HUB actively listens to our needs and brings significant expertise in developing the shipyard’s internal logistics. Our logistics processes have become clearer, and their management is based on data. Collaboration with HUB opens new opportunities to enhance the logistics maturity at Meyer’s Turku shipyard. Although we are logistics professionals within the shipyard, HUB supports us and brings new logistical expertise, allowing us to focus more on shipbuilding.
Developing Meyer’s logistics has been a strong foundation for expanding the partnership, says HUB logistics CEO Joni Sundelin. With a comprehensive service package, Meyer can focus on its core business while HUB logistics brings efficiency, flexibility, and innovative solutions to internal logistics.
– By identifying the clearest areas for improvement and introducing new operational models, we can enhance efficiency in shipbuilding. It’s fantastic to offer Meyer an even broader service package. We bring the latest technology and strong internal logistics expertise to the shipyard. This fall, we will gain momentum with several large projects, aiming to speed up the outfitting production cycle, reduce material waste, and improve waste management.
The partnership represents a step towards more innovative, efficient, and sustainable business for both companies.
– It is great to deepen our partnership with Meyer. We have actively developed our internal logistics service package, and now we can provide this service to one of the industry’s most respected companies, helping them succeed even more in their business. I believe we can add value to their business by offering innovative and cost-effective internal logistics services, Sundelin concludes.
Photo copyright: MEYER TURKU
Additional information:
Joni Sundelin
HUB logistics, CEO
Tel. +358 400 272 995
joni.sundelin@hub.fi
Saija Bezuidenhout
Meyer Turku Oy, Head of Group/Central Warehouse & Outfitting Material Logistics
Tel. +358 050 473 4825
Saija.Bezuidenhout@meyerturku.fi
Learn more about Meyer Turku’s operations at www.meyerturku.fi/en
Read more about HUB’s internal logistics services
