Galina Ryleva, Valeria Pyatova, Ksenia Tretyakova, and Viktoria Smirnova
Fourth-year students from the Faculty of Automobile and Road Building at Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering have passed the qualifying stage of the International Transport Project Competition organized by the Russian University of Transport and will present their project at the finals in Moscow.
The "Logistics Whizzes" team comprised Ksenia Tretyakova, Valeria Pyatova, Galina Ryleva, and Viktoria Smirnova—students majoring in Transport Processes Technology. The team successfully tackled a project case study from SIBUR PolyLab regarding the shift from metal to polymer packaging in global logistics.
International transport project competitions bring together students and young professionals from Russia and other countries. Participants tackle practical challenges in transport infrastructure, logistics, digitalization, and engineering innovation, proposing solutions for the development of the transport sector.
From problem to engineering solution
The SPbGASU team was tasked with finding an alternative to the metal containers used in maritime logistics. These containers are prone to corrosion, heavy, susceptible to deformation under storm loads, and require replacement every three to five years. Research indicates that using such containers also results in a loss of up to 15% of a vessel's usable cargo capacity. Furthermore, available imported polymer alternatives do not always meet the requirements for operation in extreme cold and rely on foreign supplies.
To address the case, the students chose the standard project track, which entails a step-by-step approach to the problem: from stakeholder analysis and hypothesis testing to design development and economic justification.
In the first stage, the participants created an engagement map that included packaging manufacturers, fishing and fish-processing enterprises, shipbuilding and logistics companies, port services, polymer raw material suppliers, and certification bodies. They then conducted problem-focused interviews and identified the key requirements for the future product.
As a result, the team proposed developing frost-resistant polymer containers for the fishing fleet based on SIBUR PolyLab polymer compositions. The container had to withstand exposure to seawater, fish oil, low temperatures, and storm-induced loads, while also being suitable for sanitization and multi-tier stacking.
Design based on real-world operating conditions
The students prepared product specifications, developed a 12-month work plan, and presented calculation scenarios and load visualizations. The 3D model of the container features reinforced corners, stiffening ribs, and walls with a thickness of 6–8 mm.
The proposed design has dimensions of 1200×1000×650 mm, an estimated mass of approximately 28–32 kg, and a load capacity of up to 800 kg. According to the calculations provided, the container retains its structural integrity when stacked five high and subjected to impact loading at a temperature of −60°C, with maximum stresses in stress concentration zones remaining within permissible limits.
In the final stage, the team consolidated the results of their work into a unified project concept—ranging from a stakeholder map and problem analysis to the justification of the solution, product design, implementation plan, and economic calculations.
The project by "Logistics Whizzes" received high praise from the jury, and the SPbGASU students will now present their work in the competition finals.
We congratulate Ksenia, Valeria, Galina, and Viktoria on reaching the final and wish them a successful performance in Moscow!