To determine the optimal location of a marine terminal, and to verify that it has the required throughput capacity, INTEC performs simulation studies. Using its proprietary software, analysis is done to determine the effect on terminal efficiency of tanker transit times as it is influenced by sea conditions and operating procedures. A special case in which INTEC has acquired experience is the simulation of terminals in ice conditions such as in the Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea off Alaska and Canada, and the Pechora Sea off the northern coast of Russia. The progress of ice breaking or ice breaker assisted tankers as a function of ice cover and thickness (particularly ice ridges) has a major impact on the efficiency of such a facility. The outcome of these types of analysis is the number of berths or moorings, the volume of storage required, and the size and number of shuttle tankers.

INTEC determines siting of a marine terminal based on the results of seabed surveys and studies of expected tanker size distribution to define the design draft, and vessel access and maneuvering considerations to define mooring and maneuvering area (MMA), safety fairways, and anchorage areas. In addition, routing of the pipeline and locating the pipeline end manifold (PLEM) are significant factors in siting SPM type terminals. INTEC has established processes and procedures for such studies to assure efficient and reliable outcome.