Linear programming was used to optimize fleets of large bulkers and tankers (including OBOs) for the 1980s. The fleet was intended to carry 15 percent of the U. S. foreign trade in the major dry and liquid bulk commodities. Guidance was obtained as to best ship designs and sizes, and, by sensitivity tests, benefits of standardization and backhauls were identified. Also, optimum ship characteristics were shown to be more sensitive to port depth than to exact trade forecasts, and fleet savings from relaxation of port constraints were estimated.
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Everett et al. (1972) studied this question.