The report provides an overall appraisal of the institutional problems associated with the planning, construction, and operation of deep draft port facilities in the U.S. and adjacent waters for the reception and transshipment of imported crude petroleum. It defines the public interest in such ports, the characteristics which distinguish such ports from conventional ports, problems of legal jurisdiction at international, federal, state, and local levels, the political setting, problems of finance, ownership, and economics, and regulation of deepwater ports and related land-side developments. It makes recommendations for legislation and organization. (Modified author abstract).