Constructing a Logistics Hub through the Integration of Remote Islands and Ocean Platforms

Abstract

This study examines whether a relay-based hybrid hub linking Japan’s remote border islands with offshore ocean platforms can improve logistics performance in the Western Pacific under contested and disrupted conditions. Focusing on Minamitori Island and Okinotori Island, it addresses the sustainment gap between Japan, Guam, and Hawaii by comparing direct-route and relay-route models across six military and disaster-response scenarios. The concept is evaluated using four key performance indicators: Delivery, Distribution, Resilience, and Sustainment. Results indicate that relay routing consistently outperforms direct transport, especially in severe conditions. In the high-threat scenario, delivery probability rises from 47.9% to 65.6%, operational availability from 53.2% to 71.7%, and forward Days of Supply by about 2–3.5 days. These gains derive from a 72-hour buffer that absorbs disruption, supports limited inspection and repair, and enables redistribution in smaller lots. The study concludes that resilience through distribution provides a practical and scalable framework for sustaining maritime operations in contested environments.