On optimal control theory in marine oil spill management: A Markovian decision approach

Most evaluations of ecological effects of petroleum contamination have related impacts to effects on the supply of products and services of importance to human cultures. In order to facilitate the decision making process in the event of crude oil spills into marine environments, this paper treats marine oil spill problem from a system-theoretic point of view using the state variable description of Markovian decision process and operational research formalism.

► Development of a novel strategy of optimal control theory for oil spill management. ► Formulation of sequential decision rules using MDP. ► Application of optimal control theory to marine oil spill via MDP.