Optimal equipment assignment for oil spill response using a genetic algorithm.

We propose a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimal equipment assignment method for oil spill response. We devised a repair operation suitable for constrained equipment assignment. In addition, the assignment strategies were evaluated by simulation to ensure that it would conform to current South Korean standards. At sixteen locations in South Korea, the assignment for the response work optimized by the GA took 1.1% less time on average than the current assignment. Furthermore, an optimal assignment was determined, which achieved a 29% reduction in the total capacity of the oil skimmers compared to the current standard.