The MED rule: the interdependence of container throughput and transhipment volumes in the Mediterranean ports

摘要

The aim of the present paper is to explain the MediterraneanTranshipment Rule by a mathematical model showing the relationshipbetween the diversion distance and the transhipment volumes, as wellas the relationship to the total container traffic volume. Thus, theformula was applied to the figures achieved in 1994, 1995 and 1996.To conform with 1994, 1995 and 1996 data the formula was slightlyaltered so as to forecast transhipment volumes in the Mediterraneanports. By applying the formula to the figures achieved by someMediterranean ports, the estimations were done which describereliably enough that the transhipment vol- umes depend on thediversion distance and the total traffic throughput. In short, thevolume of cargo transhipped in a single port is an inverse linearfunction of the distance of the port from the main-line vessels'route transiting the Mediterranean, and a linear function of the portcontainer traffic volumes.