The Geography of Kuwaiti Oil Transportation 1970-1980

Abstract

The transportation of oil from Kuwait between the years 1970- 80, which was a period of relative political stability, is discussed. Based on physical, geopolitical and economic factors the country elected to use tankers rather than pipelines as did many other Gulf countries. During the period 1970- 80 the oil field to transport facilities, onshore and offshore rapidly expanded and technologically improved. Paralleling this active growth, oil tanker construction and capacity had increased. In recent years geopolitical circumstances in Kuwait and emerging Asian markets justify the option of tankers moving oil via the Gulf over pipeline transport to Mediterranean ports