# A Cost-Optimized Model for Dynamic Port Hinterland
## 4 Experimental Design and Results
### Results: Representing the \(H(x,y)|_{(p_{n},\rho_{n})}\)
#### 4.2.2 Geographic Distribution of Port Influence  
The port hinterland analysis revealed distinct cargo distribution patterns influenced by port location and cargo type. Algeciras showed a dominant impact in southwestern Spain, extending into central regions, particularly for time-sensitive goods from Manzanillo. Valencia's influence concentrated along the eastern Mediterranean coast, creating a robust transportation corridor. Analyzing cargo flows from Durban, particularly citrus imports, reveals a striking and decisive dominance of the Port of Algeciras across the entire Spanish peninsula, as clearly illustrated in Figure 3. This comprehensive influence pattern represents an exceptional case where a single port demonstrates an overwhelming economic advantage for serving the entire national territory. The dominance of Algeciras can be attributed to several key factors. * The significantly shorter maritime route from Durban to Algeciras (33 days) compared to Valencia (47 days) or Barcelona (38 days), which substantially reduces shipping costs and transit times. * The lower total freight costs from Durban to Algeciras (1290.91 EUR) compared to Valencia or Barcelona (both 1748.18 EUR), representing a significant cost advantage of approximately 26%. * The time-sensitive nature of citrus products, where the shorter maritime transit time through Algeciras provides crucial advantages in maintaining product quality and value. This pattern is particularly noteworthy as it challenges traditional assumptions about hinterland formation, where ports typically show stronger influence in their immediate geographical vicinity with gradually diminishing impact over distance. Instead, we observe how the substantial advantages in maritime costs and transit times can completely overcome potential benefits that other ports might have in inland transportation distances or infrastructure. Even in regions geographically closer to Valencia or Barcelona, such as Catalonia or the Mediterranean coast, the combined economic advantages of routing through Algeciras--primarily driven by maritime cost savings and shorter ocean transit times--outweigh the additional inland transportation costs that might be incurred. This result provides a clear empirical demonstration of how maritime logistics costs can be the determining factor in port selection when they represent a substantial portion of the total logistics costs, particularly for specific origin-product combinations where time and direct transportation costs are critical factors. For non-perishable goods, the analysis reveals markedly different distribution patterns. Cargo originating from Shanghai shows a more balanced distribution of port influence across the Spanish territory. Valencia's hinterland extends further westward than observed with perishable goods, benefiting from its robust inland transportation networks and competitive pricing for standard containerized cargo. Barcelona maintains significant influence in northeastern Spain, where its strategic location and efficient intermodal connections provide competitive advantages for Asian imports. As depicted in Figure 4, the New York trade route reveals distinct hinterland patterns, with Atlantic-facing ports showing stronger performance and significant overlap in central Spain. The visualization of cargo from Shanghai demonstrates a more balanced port influence distribution across Spanish territory. By comparing the upper and lower maps, the distinct patterns emerging from Asian and North American trade routes become evident, with Valencia's hinterland extending further westward than observed in perishable goods routes. An interesting finding emerges in the analysis of the Coru\(\hat{\text{n}}\)a region, as shown in the second image. This unexpected result stems from the fact that rail transportationfrom Algeciras compensates for Valencia's geographical proximity advantage.