The New Oil Pipeline from Bourgas to Alexandroupoli: Critical Analysis of Simulation Methods for the Protection of the Aegean Sea

Abstract

Simulation of models, based on multi-agent systems (Multi Agent models, MAS) is applied in various scientific fields in the last few years. In each simulation effort some basic elements are determined, like the problems that are going to be examined, the number of the interacting agents and their geometry, the network topology, the time calibration and other issues that concern the application of this methodology. In this paper we describe an agent-based model, which aims to designate an optimal solution for the confrontation of a likely oil slick in the marine region of Thrace, ensuring the effective implementation of the National Contingency Plan. As the construction of the pipeline from Bourgas to Alexandroupolis is aproaching, a possible increase in the number of tankers and in the corresponding transported quantity of oil through the Aegean Sea is expected. Therefore the posibility for the occurrence of an oil slick is considerably growing. The right strategic planning for relative incidents acquires national importance and becomes a significant part for the development of the wider area.