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A modular capacitated multi-objective model for locating maritime search and rescue vessels

  • Multiple Objective Optimization
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Abstract

This paper presents a mathematical multi-objective model to optimize the location-allocation of maritime search and rescue (SAR) vessels with regard to several criteria, including primary and backup coverage and mean access time. Atlantic Canada serves as the area of the study and the Canadian Coast Guard has provided the necessary datasets and information. A goal programming multi-objective model is developed to optimize the location and allocation of SAR vessels to potential future incidents in order to achieve greater level of responsiveness and coverage. Comparing the optimal solution found to the current arrangement of SAR vessels, shows a substantial improvement in terms of access time and coverage. The results of the study provide decision makers with valuable insights to make more informed strategic and tactical decisions for more efficient management of the SAR fleet.

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Notes

  1. Search and Rescue Information Management System.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our thanks to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada for their support of this study. Also, we extend our appreciation to ACENET, the regional advanced research computing consortium for universities in Atlantic Canada for their financial support and computational resources. A sincere thanks is extended to the Canadian Coast Guard for sharing their data, but most importantly for providing guidance on their operations and priorities. We are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada

    Amin Akbari & Ronald Pelot

  2. Faculty of Business Administration, University of New Brunswick, PO Box 4400, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada

    H. A. Eiselt

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  1. Amin Akbari
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  2. Ronald Pelot
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  3. H. A. Eiselt
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Correspondence to Amin Akbari.

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Akbari, A., Pelot, R. & Eiselt, H.A. A modular capacitated multi-objective model for locating maritime search and rescue vessels. Ann Oper Res 267, 3–28 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-017-2593-1

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