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This thesis is concerned with the analysis of shipping cost in theory and in the practice of Saudi shipping companies. Previous studies on cost structures and cost functions have been surveyed. Factors which affect each cost element have been derived from the surveyed studies to be used in establishing the cost functions of Saudi vessels. The empirical part of the thesis covers many related topics. First, costing systems and cost reports in Saudi shipping companies have been evaluated. Second, cross sectional cost and operation data of vessel samples in Saudi Arabia have been analysed. The results of this analysis are cost structures and cost functions. Several statistical techniques have been used for the analyses of cost data in the empirical part of the thesis. On the basis of this investigation, the researcher has arrived at several propositions. The most important contribution of the thesis is that it presents to the management of Saudi shipping companies relevant information to establish policies for cost reduction.

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