New information on wood harvesting and logistics in Russia
In a recently completed research project carried out by Metla, new methods and solutions have been developed to improve Finnish expertise in industrial and energy wood harvesting as well as in the development of transport and logistics in Russia. The results, which explain key problems, will benefit companies operating or planning to operate in Russia. It is hoped that the project will enhance the business opportunities and competitiveness of Finnish forest-related companies and other players in the expanding Russian market.
New technology is needed for wood harvesting and logistics in Russia. For Finnish manufacturers and suppliers, this creates good opportunities in an expanding market. The harvesting and use of wood for energy is still in its early stages in Russia, but as time goes on, this field will also offer new prospects for Finnish players.
The final report of the research project “Wood harvesting and logistics in Russia – focus on research and business opportunities”, which ended in January 2012, presents the results and conclusions on the productivity and costs of industrial wood harvesting, supply chains for forest chips, the environmental impact of wood harvesting, log damage caused by harvesting and the effect of the condition of harvester heads on such damage. The report also discusses the optimisation of industrial and energy wood logistics and the planning of forest road construction.
Researched information on CTL system productivity – by region and tree species
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Wood harvesting in an unthinned forest using the mechanised CTL system. Photo: A. Seliverstov. |
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Off-road trucks on a forest road in Tikhvin. Photo: P. Mönkkönen. |
The project included gathering a large amount of data on typical harvesting conditions in final felling in the northern European part of Russia. The material was used to establish the productivity of cut-to-length (CTL) harvesters in the final felling of unthinned mixed forest stands as well as the importance of factors affecting the productivity. On the basis of this extensive material, productivity models were developed for each region as a function of the tree species and stem volume distribution.
Study helpful for optimisation of wood harvesting and logistics
The researchers developed a GIS-based tool for the optimisation of harvesting plans and logistics. The tool was also tested by a few logging companies. It was found that optimisation would create major cost savings both in weekly operational planning and in tactical planning extending over a period of few months, as well as in annual strategic planning.
(Off-road trucks on a forest road in Tikhvin. Photo: P. Mönkkönen.)
Construction of good forest roads feasible in areas with high harvesting volumes and the lowest construction costs
The condition and number of forest roads is a recurring topic in Russian forestry. The construction and planning of forest roads was studied in Tikhvin, Leningrad. In light of this study, it would seem to be economically feasible to invest in the forest road network.
However, the challenge for planning is the availability of sufficiently accurate and reliable information on forest resources and geography, which would enable successful planning of forest road locations.
In operational planning, information should be available on harvesting costs, road construction and transport in order to minimise overall costs. Different strategies cannot be ranked in order of importance on the basis of this study, but it can be stated that the construction of good forest roads should be concentrated in areas where harvesting volumes are high and construction costs are proportionally the lowest.
Research results to benefit companies operating or planning to operate in Russia
The research results can be utilised by companies that are already engaged in the harvesting, transport and logistics of wood for industry and energy in Russia. They will also benefit companies that are planning to enter the Russian market and are currently assessing the possibilities of operating in Russia and adapting their methods and products to better fit the local conditions. “As for improved research expertise, it enhances our ability to better meet the needs of companies and strengthens the international status of Finnish research,” says Timo Karjalainen, Professor, International Forestry.
Business partners bring a new perspective to the study
The organisations involved in the three-year project, coordinated by Metla, were the University of Helsinki, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Petrozavodsk State University and St Petersburg State Forest Technical University. The project was funded by the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes, through the European Regional Development Fund) as well as project partners John Deere Forestry Limited, Kesla Oyj, Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy, Metsäliitto Cooperative, Ponsse Plc, Sisu Auto Oy, Stora Enso Oyj and UPM-Kymmene Forest.
The final English-language report has been published in the “Working Papers of the Finnish Forest Research Institute” series, and it has also been translated into Russian. More than 50 publications were completed during the project, and a list of them is attached to the final report.
Further information
- Professor Timo Karjalainen, tel. +358 (0)50 391 3080, timo.karjalainen(a)metla.fi
- The final report: “Wood harvesting and logistics in Russia – focus on research and business opportunities”
- The final report in Russian