Unit cost models of log transport along British Columbia's coastal waters

Abstract

The authors have carried out an economic study of the cost of transport of logs in the coastal waters of British Columbia. Comparison is made of the use of flat rafting asnd bundle rafting the logs versus use of either tug‐barge or log ship carriage. Cost models are constructed for the four types of transport. Flat rafts were found to be convenient for short tows but expensive. Bundle rafts are most efficient for medium distances and tug‐barge or log ships best for longer distances. There is a dramatic efficiency of scale effect in the size of log ships.