The total minimum capacity of the ship follows the following equation, [Equation 4.19] [Ref: 50]
The overall cycle time for a ship is determined as, [Equation 4.20] [Ref: 49]
The quantity of gas to be transported by a ship to each destination point per visit follows, [Equation 4.21] [Ref: 51]
The minimum storage facility at each destination point should follow, [Equation 4.22][Ref: 49]
And the capacity of total minimum storage at all destination sites is as follows, [Equation 4.23] [Ref: 46]
If all destination points have the similar consumption rates, then xk=x/N, follows as [Equation 4.24] [Ref: 45]
The following important conclusions can be derived from the above equations:
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In the previous statement, there is a same practical significance for the nature of the distribution of milk-run same like for the hub and spokes, with identical consequences for the recommendation of medium-sized CNG fleets. Of course, the decrease in ship capacity, which results from the use of more than one ship, can be dramatic. In addition, the cost of gas storage at receiving point also shows a similar decline as both the number of ships, increases. Indeed, as is the case with the hub-and spoke pattern, operating costs will be increased as the quantity of ships increases, and the final decision of the ships, storage facilities and vessels are balanced with the capital expenditures and operating