Systems Approach to Petroleum Port Site Selection

Petroleum port site selection is examined in the broad context of the total transportation system from production to consumption area. Basic systems engineering approaches are applied to the problem to formulate a mathematical model which permits all transportation system variables, including capital and operating costs, to be put in quantitative form. An example of the computer solution is given, along with a description of the principal calculations involved. Unit transportation cost is selected as the measure of effectiveness of candidate systems. The port site associated with the system yielding the lowest unit transportation cost for the entire range of throughputs is selected.