Multiobjective Optimization of Floating Observational Buoys Location/Allocation for Limiting Marine Pollution Impact Caused by Hydrocarbons Release

Abstract: The use of meteorological stations may be helpful in assessing climatic and meteorological data in a marine environment. But for the accuracy and reliability of the data obtained, the measurements should take place at appropriate locations on or near the sea surface. For this purpose, Floating Observational Buoys (FOBs) are widely used for the collection of such meteorological and climatological data as well as for the concentration of polluting substances like crude oil and hydrocarbon mixtures produced in oil refineries, causing systematic or accidental pollution. Therefore, it is clear that the optimal location of installation points should be based on specific criteria covering all aspects / objectives of this large scale monitoring operation. In the present work, we have developed a new two-phase version of the multiobjective Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for selecting optimal location points for FOBs installation to collect the relevant data from marine areas, mainly based on the following criteria: the average wind speed, the waves characteristics, the vulnerability of coastline, the probability of maritime accidents. This version of AHP is implemented in several marine areas of the Aegean Sea, especially along the corridor between the Greek islands and the Turkish continental coast. The solution of the location / allocation problem is examined through sensitivity / robustness analysis and the final results, concerning optimization of Buoys Network within certain Greek marine areas, are further discussed.