I have thought of something that would make logistics a more important aspect of the game. If ports became more important in the deployment of troops, it would create new aspects of the game that would add realism and a little more strategy.
NOTE: ALL OF THESE CONCEPTS ONLY TAKE PLACE IN THE NON-COMBAT PHASE OF ONE’S TURN.
Port drop offs - If a transport drops off units at territory that contains a friendly port, that transport can continue the rest of its moves plus one more due to the ease of unloading. For example, a transport from Japan could unload in Kwangtung, if it is Axis controlled, and return to Japan in the same move.
Port Refuels - If a transport passes through a seazone that is adjacent to a territory with a port, the transport receives and extra move (could interpret as that specific move doesn’t count towards the transports movement). Can only occur once per move, so passing through multiple sea-zones with multiple ports would has no benefit. For example, American transports from seazone 101 can pick up units from America and unload them in England from seazone 109 by passing through seazone 106, which is adjacent to the port at Nova Scotia.
Over loading - If a transport picks up units in a territory with a port, that transport is able to “over load,” that is it can carry more units then normal. Over loaded transports can carry the following; 3 infantry, 2 artillery, 2 tanks, 1 artillery and 1 tank, or 2 infantry and 1 tank/1 artillery. However, overloaded transports can only be unloaded at territories with friendly ports. Over-loaded transports cannot make amphibious assaults, and would only be used logistically.
With these new rules, I believe the strategic value of many territories would increase, making places like Normandy and Kwangtung more important to player strategies. It could also significantly change the USA strategy, as Gibralter doesn’t become the essential territory it is now. It would also make the Japanese deployment of troops a little easier.
All of this may seem a bit confusing, and whatever feedback you can offer would be great, thanks.