%0 Journal Article 
%A Martínez Torres, Manuel Francisco
%A Ruiz Águilar, Juan Jesús
%A Turias Domínguez, Ignacio José
%A Cerbán Jiménez, María del Mar
%T A Cost-Optimized Model for Dynamic Port Hinterland Delineation: An Application to the Spanish Port System
%D 2025
%@ 2076-3417
%U http://hdl.handle.net/10498/36396
%X 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
methodology on the Spanish port system (with three main ports: Valencia, Algeciras, and
Barcelona), we demonstrate how product characteristics and origins significantly influence
optimal port selection and hinterland boundaries. The analysis examines both perishable
goods, using bananas and oranges as case studies, and non-perishable cargo from Asian
and American origins. Results reveal distinct patterns of port influence depending on goods
type and origin. The study’s findings, visualized through innovative color-coded mapping,
provide valuable insights for port authorities and logistics planners in optimizing supply
chain decisions. Our approach contributes to port competition theory by establishing a
quantitative framework for dynamic hinterland delineation based on actual logistics costs
and operational factors.
%K port hinterland
%K logistics cost optimization
%K supply chain management
%K port competition
%K economic geography
%~ Universidad de Cádiz