A Cost-Optimized Model for Dynamic Port Hinterland Delineation: An Application to the Spanish Port System

• DOI: 10.3390/app15010096
• Publication Date: 2024-12-27T02:13:18Z
• Authors: Manuel Francisco ...; Juan Jesús Ruiz A...; Ignacio J. Turias...; María del Mar Cer...
• Keywords: Port (circuit theory)

This study presents a methodology for determining port economic hinterlands through comprehensive logistics optimization. The research advances traditional geographical approaches by developing an integrated cost model that considers maritime transport, inland transportation, warehousing expenses, and time-dependent factors. Testing this on the Spanish system (with three main ports: Valencia, Algeciras, Barcelona), we demonstrate how product characteristics origins significantly influence optimal selection hinterland boundaries. analysis examines both perishable goods, using bananas oranges as case studies, non-perishable cargo from Asian American origins. Results reveal distinct patterns of depending goods type origin. study’s findings, visualized innovative color-coded mapping, provide valuable insights authorities planners in optimizing supply chain decisions. Our approach contributes to competition theory establishing quantitative framework dynamic delineation based actual costs operational