An algorithm to determine the most suitable location to construct new commercial harbours

The planning of a new harbour should be performed by applying high attention to minimise the transportation time and cost during its lifetime. An algorithm is proposed to determine the most suitable location to construct new commercial harbours and ports. To determine the most suitable location for new harbours locally, a simplified simulation method is prepared to compute the characteristics of sea waves. In the proposed global model, the distribution of population, the transportation price, capacities of existing harbours, and the demands for export/import cargos are employed as the main factors. In this model, an index called the total transportation price index (TTPI) is introduced. TTPI is calculated and examined for any potential location where the new harbour or port might be constructed. The proposed model has been validated by applying it to a case study for the conditions of several big commercial harbours of the Persian Gulf on Iran’s coastlines. The case study indicates that the position of the Port of Imam Khomeini is the most suitable technically. This study shows that the Chahbahar Port has the worst location to serve the entire country and should be limited to serving locally to the nearby provinces.