Algorithms for effective transfer of ballast for an oil installation

The problem considered is to transfer ballast (water) between ballast tanks in an offshore production platform in a fast and efficient way, and at the same time maintain certain criteria regarding the platform's safety, stability and strength. In case of an emergency situation, the algorithm must return a solution in short time. Two alternative algorithms are evaluated; one mixed integer programming (MIP) model and one heuristic algorithm. It is shown that the much simpler heuristic algorithm yields satisfactory solutions in almost no time, while the MIP model takes up to several minutes to come to a solution. The heuristic algorithm is installed in control systems for a platform operating in the North Sea and the experience so far has been good.