Location Ordination for LNG Fuelling Station in the Persian Gulf Ports of Iran Using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Usage of the new and alternative clean fuel is becoming a hot topic in marine transportation in accordance with environmental regulations of I.M.O. Using L.N.G as the ship fuel is a reliable and long term solution for environmental issues. Iran owing to its large number of natural gas fields and unique geographical position, has adequate potential to provide services to shipping fleets. Finding and choosing the best location for establishing L.N.G fuelling stations in the Persian Gulf ports of Iran, is the main purpose of this study. In order to achieve this goal, first potential ports and locations were screened. Then, ten suitable comparative criteria were revealed with the help of distributed questionnaires. Based on method of Analytic Hierarchy Process, the most likely and best location for providing refuelling to ships was selected to be Shahid Rajaee port (in Hormozgan Province) in northern coast of the Persian Gulf.