Strategic location model for oil spill response vessels (OSRVs) considering oil transportation and weather uncertainties

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-10, Vol.207, p.116829, Article 116829
• Main Authors: Longhi, Rafael Pedro, Ferreira Filho, Virgílio José Martins
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brazil; case studies; decision making; Location model; marine pollution; Oil spill; Oil spill simulation; oil spills; oils; OSRV; simulation models; Stochastic optimization; transportation; viability; weather
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116829

In the event of oil spills in offshore oil and gas projects, containment and dispersion equipment must be sent to the affected areas within a critical time by vessels known as oil spill response vessels (OSRVs). Here, we developed an optimization tool, integrated with an oil spill trajectory simulation model, both in deterministic and stochastic alternatives, to support decision-making during the strategic planning of OSRV operations. The tool was constructed in Python using GNOME for oil spill simulations and the GUROBI to solve the optimization model. The tool was applied to a case study in Brazil and afforded relevant recommendations. In terms of research contributions, we proved the viability of the integration between oil spill simulation and mathematical modeling for OSRV strategic operation planning, we explored the stochasticity of the problem with an innovative strategy and we demonstrated flexibility and easy applicability of the framework on real operations. •We devised a deterministic optimization model for strategic planning of OSRVs.•The optimization model is integrated with an oil spill simulation model.•A stochastic alternative was also developed using a two-stage model.•The proposed models were tested using real data from southeast Brazil.•Reasonable computational time was achieved; stochastic model proved more beneficial.