diff --git a/CMakeLists_files.cmake b/CMakeLists_files.cmake
index 01cd5dc24..b3b215a93 100644
--- a/CMakeLists_files.cmake
+++ b/CMakeLists_files.cmake
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ list (APPEND MAIN_SOURCE_FILES
   opm/simulators/utils/DeferredLogger.cpp
   opm/simulators/utils/gatherDeferredLogger.cpp
   opm/simulators/utils/moduleVersion.cpp
+  opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.cpp
   opm/simulators/wells/VFPProdProperties.cpp
   opm/simulators/wells/VFPInjProperties.cpp
   )
@@ -187,6 +188,7 @@ list (APPEND PUBLIC_HEADER_FILES
   opm/simulators/utils/DeferredLogger.hpp
   opm/simulators/utils/gatherDeferredLogger.hpp
   opm/simulators/utils/moduleVersion.hpp
+  opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.hpp
   opm/simulators/wells/RateConverter.hpp
   opm/simulators/wells/SimFIBODetails.hpp
   opm/simulators/wells/WellConnectionAuxiliaryModule.hpp
diff --git a/ebos/collecttoiorank.hh b/ebos/collecttoiorank.hh
index b5e9856a1..c46bc3ad5 100644
--- a/ebos/collecttoiorank.hh
+++ b/ebos/collecttoiorank.hh
@@ -101,6 +101,7 @@ public:
         IndexMapType& localIndexMap_;
         IndexMapStorageType& indexMaps_;
         std::map<int, int> globalPosition_;
+        std::set<int>& recv_;
         std::vector<int>& ranks_;
 
     public:
@@ -108,21 +109,26 @@ public:
                                const std::vector<int>& distributedGlobalIndex,
                                IndexMapType& localIndexMap,
                                IndexMapStorageType& indexMaps,
-                               std::vector<int>& ranks)
+                               std::vector<int>& ranks,
+                               std::set<int>& recv,
+                               bool isIORank)
             : distributedGlobalIndex_(distributedGlobalIndex)
             , localIndexMap_(localIndexMap)
             , indexMaps_(indexMaps)
             , globalPosition_()
+            , recv_(recv)
             , ranks_(ranks)
         {
             size_t size = globalIndex.size();
             // create mapping globalIndex --> localIndex
-            for (size_t index = 0; index < size; ++index)
-                globalPosition_.insert(std::make_pair(globalIndex[index], index));
+            if ( isIORank ) // ioRank
+                for (size_t index = 0; index < size; ++index)
+                    globalPosition_.insert(std::make_pair(globalIndex[index], index));
 
             // we need to create a mapping from local to global
             if (!indexMaps_.empty()) {
-                ranks_.resize(size, -1);
+                if (isIORank)
+                    ranks_.resize(size, -1);
                 // for the ioRank create a localIndex to index in global state map
                 IndexMapType& indexMap = indexMaps_.back();
                 size_t localSize = localIndexMap_.size();
@@ -130,12 +136,44 @@ public:
                 for (size_t i=0; i<localSize; ++i)
                 {
                     int id = distributedGlobalIndex_[localIndexMap_[i]];
-                    indexMap[i] = globalPosition_[id];
-                    ranks_[indexMap[i]] = ioRank;
+                    indexMap[i] = id;
                 }
             }
         }
 
+        ~DistributeIndexMapping()
+        {
+            if (!indexMaps_.size())
+                return;
+
+            if ( ranks_.size() )
+            {
+                auto rankIt = recv_.begin();
+                // translate index maps from global cartesian to index
+                for (auto& indexMap: indexMaps_)
+                {
+                    int rank = 0;
+                    if (rankIt != recv_.end())
+                        rank = *rankIt;
+
+                    for (auto&& entry: indexMap)
+                    {
+                        auto candidate = globalPosition_.find(entry);
+                        assert(candidate != globalPosition_.end());
+                        entry = candidate->second;
+                        // Using max should be backwards compatible
+                        ranks_[entry] = std::max(ranks_[entry], rank);
+                    }
+                    if (rankIt != recv_.end())
+                        ++rankIt;
+                }
+#ifndef NDEBUG
+                for (const auto& rank: ranks_)
+                    assert(rank>=0);
+#endif
+            }
+        }
+
         void pack(int link, MessageBufferType& buffer)
         {
             // we should only get one link
@@ -163,15 +201,89 @@ public:
             buffer.read(numCells);
             indexMap.resize(numCells);
             for (int index = 0; index < numCells; ++index) {
-                int globalId = -1;
-                buffer.read(globalId);
-                assert(globalPosition_.find(globalId) != globalPosition_.end());
-                indexMap[index] = globalPosition_[globalId];
-                ranks_[indexMap[index]] = link + 1;
+                buffer.read(indexMap[index]);
             }
         }
     };
 
+    /// \brief Communication handle to scatter the global index
+    template<class Mapper>
+    class ElementIndexScatterHandle
+    {
+    public:
+        ElementIndexScatterHandle(const Mapper& sendMapper, const Mapper& recvMapper, std::vector<int>& elementIndices)
+            : sendMapper_(sendMapper), recvMapper_(recvMapper), elementIndices_(elementIndices)
+        {}
+        using DataType = int;
+        bool fixedsize(int /*dim*/, int /*codim*/)
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        template<class T>
+        std::size_t size(const T&)
+        {
+            return 1;
+        }
+        template<class B, class T>
+        void gather(B& buffer, const T& t)
+        {
+            buffer.write(sendMapper_.index(t));
+        }
+        template<class B, class T>
+        void scatter(B& buffer, const T& t, std::size_t)
+        {
+            buffer.read(elementIndices_[recvMapper_.index(t)]);
+        }
+
+        bool contains(int dim, int codim)
+        {
+            return dim==3 && codim==0;
+        }
+    private:
+        const Mapper& sendMapper_, recvMapper_;
+        std::vector<int>& elementIndices_;
+    };
+
+    /// \brief Communication handle to scatter the global index
+    template<class Mapper>
+    class ElementIndexHandle
+    {
+    public:
+        ElementIndexHandle(const Mapper& mapper, std::vector<int>& elementIndices)
+            : mapper_(mapper), elementIndices_(elementIndices)
+        {}
+        using DataType = int;
+        bool fixedsize(int /*dim*/, int /*codim*/)
+        {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        template<class T>
+        std::size_t size(const T&)
+        {
+            return 1;
+        }
+        template<class B, class T>
+        void gather(B& buffer, const T& t)
+        {
+            buffer.write(elementIndices_[mapper_.index(t)]);
+        }
+        template<class B, class T>
+        void scatter(B& buffer, const T& t, std::size_t)
+        {
+            buffer.read(elementIndices_[mapper_.index(t)]);
+        }
+
+        bool contains(int dim, int codim)
+        {
+            return dim==3 && codim==0;
+        }
+    private:
+        const Mapper& mapper_;
+        std::vector<int>& elementIndices_;
+    };
+
     enum { ioRank = 0 };
 
     static const bool needsReordering =
@@ -189,48 +301,6 @@ public:
         {
             std::set<int> send, recv;
             typedef typename Vanguard::EquilGrid::LeafGridView EquilGridView;
-            const EquilGridView equilGridView = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView();
-
-#if DUNE_VERSION_NEWER(DUNE_GRID, 2,6)
-            typedef Dune::MultipleCodimMultipleGeomTypeMapper<EquilGridView> EquilElementMapper;
-            EquilElementMapper equilElemMapper(equilGridView, Dune::mcmgElementLayout());
-#else
-            typedef Dune::MultipleCodimMultipleGeomTypeMapper<EquilGridView, Dune::MCMGElementLayout> EquilElementMapper;
-            EquilElementMapper equilElemMapper(equilGridView);
-#endif
-
-            // We need a mapping from local to global grid, here we
-            // use equilGrid which represents a view on the global grid
-            const size_t globalSize = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().size(0);
-            // reserve memory
-            globalCartesianIndex_.resize(globalSize, -1);
-
-            // loop over all elements (global grid) and store Cartesian index
-            auto elemIt = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().template begin<0>();
-            const auto& elemEndIt = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().template end<0>();
-            for (; elemIt != elemEndIt; ++elemIt) {
-                int elemIdx = equilElemMapper.index(*elemIt);
-                int cartElemIdx = vanguard.equilCartesianIndexMapper().cartesianIndex(elemIdx);
-                globalCartesianIndex_[elemIdx] = cartElemIdx;
-            }
-
-            // the I/O rank receives from all other ranks
-            if (isIORank()) {
-                for (int i = 0; i < comm.size(); ++i) {
-                    if (i != ioRank)
-                        recv.insert(i);
-                }
-            }
-            else // all other simply send to the I/O rank
-                send.insert(ioRank);
-
-            localIndexMap_.clear();
-            const size_t gridSize = vanguard.grid().size(0);
-            localIndexMap_.reserve(gridSize);
-
-            // store the local Cartesian index
-            IndexMapType distributedCartesianIndex;
-            distributedCartesianIndex.resize(gridSize, -1);
 
             typedef typename Vanguard::GridView LocalGridView;
             const LocalGridView localGridView = vanguard.gridView();
@@ -243,6 +313,65 @@ public:
             ElementMapper elemMapper(localGridView);
 #endif
 
+            localIdxToGlobalIdx_.resize(localGridView.size(0), -1);
+
+            // the I/O rank receives from all other ranks
+            if (isIORank()) {
+                // We need a mapping from local to global grid, here we
+                // use equilGrid which represents a view on the global grid
+                // reserve memory
+                const size_t globalSize = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().size(0);
+                globalCartesianIndex_.resize(globalSize, -1);
+                const EquilGridView equilGridView = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView();
+
+#if DUNE_VERSION_NEWER(DUNE_GRID, 2,6)
+                typedef Dune::MultipleCodimMultipleGeomTypeMapper<EquilGridView> EquilElementMapper;
+                EquilElementMapper equilElemMapper(equilGridView, Dune::mcmgElementLayout());
+#else
+                typedef Dune::MultipleCodimMultipleGeomTypeMapper<EquilGridView, Dune::MCMGElementLayout> EquilElementMapper;
+                EquilElementMapper equilElemMapper(equilGridView);
+#endif
+
+                // Scatter the global index to local index for lookup during restart
+                ElementIndexScatterHandle<EquilElementMapper> handle(equilElemMapper, elemMapper, localIdxToGlobalIdx_);
+                vanguard.grid().scatterData(handle);
+
+                // loop over all elements (global grid) and store Cartesian index
+                auto elemIt = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().template begin<0>();
+                const auto& elemEndIt = vanguard.equilGrid().leafGridView().template end<0>();
+                for (; elemIt != elemEndIt; ++elemIt) {
+                    int elemIdx = equilElemMapper.index(*elemIt);
+                    int cartElemIdx = vanguard.equilCartesianIndexMapper().cartesianIndex(elemIdx);
+                    globalCartesianIndex_[elemIdx] = cartElemIdx;
+                }
+
+                for (int i = 0; i < comm.size(); ++i) {
+                    if (i != ioRank)
+                        recv.insert(i);
+                }
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // all other simply send to the I/O rank
+                send.insert(ioRank);
+
+                // Scatter the global index to local index for lookup during restart
+                ElementIndexScatterHandle<ElementMapper> handle(elemMapper, elemMapper, localIdxToGlobalIdx_);
+                vanguard.grid().scatterData(handle);
+            }
+
+            // Sync the global element indices
+            ElementIndexHandle<ElementMapper> handle(elemMapper, localIdxToGlobalIdx_);
+            vanguard.grid().communicate(handle, Dune::InteriorBorder_All_Interface,
+                                        Dune::ForwardCommunication);
+            localIndexMap_.clear();
+            const size_t gridSize = vanguard.grid().size(0);
+            localIndexMap_.reserve(gridSize);
+
+            // store the local Cartesian index
+            IndexMapType distributedCartesianIndex;
+            distributedCartesianIndex.resize(gridSize, -1);
+
             // A mapping for the whole grid (including the ghosts) is needed for restarts
             auto eIt = localGridView.template begin<0>();
             const auto& eEndIt = localGridView.template end<0>();
@@ -269,7 +398,9 @@ public:
                                                     distributedCartesianIndex,
                                                     localIndexMap_,
                                                     indexMaps_,
-                                                    globalRanks_);
+                                                    globalRanks_,
+                                                    recv,
+                                                    isIORank());
             toIORankComm_.exchange(distIndexMapping);
         }
     }
@@ -547,15 +678,13 @@ public:
         if (!isParallel())
             return localIdx;
 
-        // the last indexMap is the local one
-        const IndexMapType& indexMap = indexMaps_.back();
-        if (indexMap.empty())
+        if (localIdxToGlobalIdx_.empty())
             throw std::logic_error("index map is not created on this rank");
 
-        if (localIdx > indexMap.size())
+        if (localIdx > localIdxToGlobalIdx_.size())
             throw std::logic_error("local index is outside map range");
 
-        return indexMap[localIdx];
+        return localIdxToGlobalIdx_[localIdx];
     }
 
     size_t numCells () const
@@ -569,12 +698,10 @@ public:
         if (!isParallel())
             return true;
 
-        // the last indexMap is the local one
-        const IndexMapType& indexMap = indexMaps_.back();
-        if (indexMap.empty())
+        if (localIdxToGlobalIdx_.empty())
             throw std::logic_error("index map is not created on this rank");
 
-        return std::find(indexMap.begin(), indexMap.end(), globalIdx) != indexMap.end();
+        return std::find(localIdxToGlobalIdx_.begin(), localIdxToGlobalIdx_.end(), globalIdx) != localIdxToGlobalIdx_.end();
     }
 
 protected:
@@ -586,6 +713,7 @@ protected:
     Opm::data::Solution globalCellData_;
     std::map<std::pair<std::string, int>, double> globalBlockData_;
     Opm::data::Wells globalWellData_;
+    std::vector<int> localIdxToGlobalIdx_;
 };
 
 } // end namespace Opm
diff --git a/ebos/eclcpgridvanguard.hh b/ebos/eclcpgridvanguard.hh
index f88c99b4d..527377c28 100644
--- a/ebos/eclcpgridvanguard.hh
+++ b/ebos/eclcpgridvanguard.hh
@@ -83,20 +83,14 @@ private:
 
 public:
     EclCpGridVanguard(Simulator& simulator)
-        : EclBaseVanguard<TypeTag>(simulator)
+        : EclBaseVanguard<TypeTag>(simulator), mpiRank()
     {
+#if HAVE_MPI
+        MPI_Comm_rank(MPI_COMM_WORLD, &mpiRank);
+#endif
         this->callImplementationInit();
     }
 
-    ~EclCpGridVanguard()
-    {
-        delete cartesianIndexMapper_;
-        delete equilCartesianIndexMapper_;
-        delete grid_;
-        delete equilGrid_;
-        delete globalTrans_;
-    }
-
     /*!
      * \brief Return a reference to the simulation grid.
      */
@@ -119,7 +113,10 @@ public:
      * same as the grid which is used for the actual simulation.
      */
     const EquilGrid& equilGrid() const
-    { return *equilGrid_; }
+    {
+        assert(mpiRank == 0);
+        return *equilGrid_;
+    }
 
     /*!
      * \brief Indicates that the initial condition has been computed and the memory used
@@ -130,11 +127,8 @@ public:
      */
     void releaseEquilGrid()
     {
-        delete equilGrid_;
-        equilGrid_ = 0;
-
-        delete equilCartesianIndexMapper_;
-        equilCartesianIndexMapper_ = 0;
+        equilGrid_.reset();
+        equilCartesianIndexMapper_.reset();
     }
 
     /*!
@@ -145,9 +139,7 @@ public:
     void loadBalance()
     {
 #if HAVE_MPI
-        int mpiRank = 0;
         int mpiSize = 1;
-        MPI_Comm_rank(MPI_COMM_WORLD, &mpiRank);
         MPI_Comm_size(MPI_COMM_WORLD, &mpiSize);
 
         if (mpiSize > 1) {
@@ -155,9 +147,12 @@ public:
             // its edge weights. since this is (kind of) a layering violation and
             // transmissibilities are relatively expensive to compute, we only do it if
             // more than a single process is involved in the simulation.
-            cartesianIndexMapper_ = new CartesianIndexMapper(*grid_);
-            globalTrans_ = new EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>(*this);
-            globalTrans_->update();
+            cartesianIndexMapper_.reset(new CartesianIndexMapper(*grid_));
+            if (grid_->size(0))
+            {
+                globalTrans_.reset(new EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>(*this));
+                globalTrans_->update();
+            }
 
             Dune::EdgeWeightMethod edgeWeightsMethod = this->edgeWeightsMethod();
 
@@ -200,12 +195,11 @@ public:
             }
             grid_->switchToDistributedView();
 
-            delete cartesianIndexMapper_;
-            cartesianIndexMapper_ = nullptr;
+            cartesianIndexMapper_.reset();
         }
 #endif
 
-        cartesianIndexMapper_ = new CartesianIndexMapper(*grid_);
+        cartesianIndexMapper_.reset(new CartesianIndexMapper(*grid_));
 
         this->updateGridView_();
     }
@@ -217,8 +211,7 @@ public:
      */
     void releaseGlobalTransmissibilities()
     {
-        delete globalTrans_;
-        globalTrans_ = nullptr;
+        globalTrans_.reset();
     }
 
     /*!
@@ -232,18 +225,24 @@ public:
      * \brief Returns mapper from compressed to cartesian indices for the EQUIL grid
      */
     const CartesianIndexMapper& equilCartesianIndexMapper() const
-    { return *equilCartesianIndexMapper_; }
+    {
+        assert(mpiRank == 0);
+        assert(equilCartesianIndexMapper_);
+        return *equilCartesianIndexMapper_;
+    }
 
     std::unordered_set<std::string> defunctWellNames() const
     { return defunctWellNames_; }
 
     const EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>& globalTransmissibility() const
-    { return *globalTrans_; }
+    {
+        assert( globalTrans_ != nullptr );
+        return *globalTrans_;
+    }
 
     void releaseGlobalTransmissibility()
     {
-        delete globalTrans_;
-        globalTrans_ = nullptr;
+        globalTrans_.reset();
     }
 
 protected:
@@ -252,7 +251,7 @@ protected:
         const auto& gridProps = this->eclState().get3DProperties();
         const std::vector<double>& porv = gridProps.getDoubleGridProperty("PORV").getData();
 
-        grid_ = new Dune::CpGrid();
+        grid_.reset(new Dune::CpGrid());
         grid_->processEclipseFormat(this->eclState().getInputGrid(),
                                     /*isPeriodic=*/false,
                                     /*flipNormals=*/false,
@@ -266,29 +265,31 @@ protected:
         // the initial condition is calculated.
         // After loadbalance grid_ will contain a global and distribute view.
         // equilGrid_being a shallow copy only the global view.
-        equilGrid_ = new Dune::CpGrid(*grid_);
-        equilCartesianIndexMapper_ = new CartesianIndexMapper(*equilGrid_);
-
-        globalTrans_ = nullptr;
+        if (mpiRank == 0)
+        {
+            equilGrid_.reset(new Dune::CpGrid(*grid_));
+            equilCartesianIndexMapper_.reset(new CartesianIndexMapper(*equilGrid_));
+        }
     }
 
     // removing some connection located in inactive grid cells
     void filterConnections_()
     {
-        assert(grid_);
-        Grid grid = *grid_;
-        grid.switchToGlobalView();
-        const auto eclipseGrid = Opm::UgGridHelpers::createEclipseGrid(grid, this->eclState().getInputGrid());
-        this->schedule().filterConnections(eclipseGrid);
+        if (equilGrid_)
+        {
+            const auto eclipseGrid = Opm::UgGridHelpers::createEclipseGrid(equilGrid(), this->eclState().getInputGrid());
+            this->schedule().filterConnections(eclipseGrid);
+        }
     }
 
-    Grid* grid_;
-    EquilGrid* equilGrid_;
-    CartesianIndexMapper* cartesianIndexMapper_;
-    CartesianIndexMapper* equilCartesianIndexMapper_;
+    std::unique_ptr<Grid> grid_;
+    std::unique_ptr<EquilGrid> equilGrid_;
+    std::unique_ptr<CartesianIndexMapper> cartesianIndexMapper_;
+    std::unique_ptr<CartesianIndexMapper> equilCartesianIndexMapper_;
 
-    EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>* globalTrans_;
+    std::unique_ptr<EclTransmissibility<TypeTag> > globalTrans_;
     std::unordered_set<std::string> defunctWellNames_;
+    int mpiRank;
 };
 
 } // namespace Opm
diff --git a/ebos/eclwriter.hh b/ebos/eclwriter.hh
index 3146b6ea1..70d7f077a 100644
--- a/ebos/eclwriter.hh
+++ b/ebos/eclwriter.hh
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@
 #include <opm/output/eclipse/Summary.hpp>
 #include <opm/parser/eclipse/Units/UnitSystem.hpp>
 
+#include <opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.hpp>
 #include <opm/grid/GridHelpers.hpp>
 #include <opm/grid/utility/cartesianToCompressed.hpp>
 
@@ -178,12 +179,14 @@ public:
         , collectToIORank_(simulator_.vanguard())
         , eclOutputModule_(simulator, collectToIORank_)
     {
-        globalGrid_ = simulator_.vanguard().grid();
-        globalGrid_.switchToGlobalView();
-        eclIO_.reset(new Opm::EclipseIO(simulator_.vanguard().eclState(),
-                                        Opm::UgGridHelpers::createEclipseGrid(globalGrid_, simulator_.vanguard().eclState().getInputGrid()),
-                                        simulator_.vanguard().schedule(),
-                                        simulator_.vanguard().summaryConfig()));
+        if (collectToIORank_.isIORank()) {
+            globalGrid_ = simulator_.vanguard().grid();
+            globalGrid_.switchToGlobalView();
+            eclIO_.reset(new Opm::EclipseIO(simulator_.vanguard().eclState(),
+                                            Opm::UgGridHelpers::createEclipseGrid(globalGrid_, simulator_.vanguard().eclState().getInputGrid()),
+                                            simulator_.vanguard().schedule(),
+                                            simulator_.vanguard().summaryConfig()));
+        }
 
         // create output thread if enabled and rank is I/O rank
         // async output is enabled by default if pthread are enabled
@@ -198,7 +201,10 @@ public:
     { }
 
     const Opm::EclipseIO& eclIO() const
-    { return *eclIO_; }
+    {
+        assert(eclIO_);
+        return *eclIO_;
+    }
 
     void writeInit()
     {
@@ -239,7 +245,6 @@ public:
         if (reportStepNum == 0)
             return;
 
-        const auto& summary = eclIO_->summary();
         Scalar curTime = simulator_.time() + simulator_.timeStepSize();
         Scalar totalCpuTime =
             simulator_.executionTimer().realTimeElapsed() +
@@ -272,6 +277,7 @@ public:
 
         std::vector<char> buffer;
         if (collectToIORank_.isIORank()) {
+            const auto& summary = eclIO_->summary();
             const auto& eclState = simulator_.vanguard().eclState();
 
             // Add TCPU
@@ -423,7 +429,8 @@ public:
 
         {
             Opm::SummaryState& summaryState = simulator_.vanguard().summaryState();
-            auto restartValues = eclIO_->loadRestart(summaryState, solutionKeys, extraKeys);
+            auto restartValues = loadParallelRestart(eclIO_.get(), summaryState, solutionKeys, extraKeys,
+                                                     gridView.grid().comm());
 
             for (unsigned elemIdx = 0; elemIdx < numElements; ++elemIdx) {
                 unsigned globalIdx = collectToIORank_.localIdxToGlobalIdx(elemIdx);
@@ -484,9 +491,10 @@ private:
 #endif
 
         const auto& cartesianCellIdx = globalGrid_.globalCell();
-        const auto* globalTrans = &(simulator_.vanguard().globalTransmissibility());
+        const EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>* globalTrans;
 
         if (!collectToIORank_.isParallel())
+        {
             // in the sequential case we must use the transmissibilites defined by
             // the problem. (because in the sequential case, the grid manager does
             // not compute "global" transmissibilities for performance reasons. in
@@ -494,6 +502,11 @@ private:
             // because this object refers to the distributed grid and we need the
             // sequential version here.)
             globalTrans = &simulator_.problem().eclTransmissibilities();
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            globalTrans = &(simulator_.vanguard().globalTransmissibility());
+        }
 
         auto elemIt = globalGridView.template begin</*codim=*/0>();
         const auto& elemEndIt = globalGridView.template end</*codim=*/0>();
@@ -583,7 +596,7 @@ private:
         ElementMapper globalElemMapper(globalGridView);
 #endif
 
-        const auto* globalTrans = &(simulator_.vanguard().globalTransmissibility());
+        const EclTransmissibility<TypeTag>* globalTrans;
         if (!collectToIORank_.isParallel()) {
             // in the sequential case we must use the transmissibilites defined by
             // the problem. (because in the sequential case, the grid manager does
@@ -593,6 +606,10 @@ private:
             // sequential version here.)
             globalTrans = &simulator_.problem().eclTransmissibilities();
         }
+        else
+        {
+            globalTrans = &(simulator_.vanguard().globalTransmissibility());
+        }
 
         auto cartDims = simulator_.vanguard().cartesianIndexMapper().cartesianDimensions();
         auto elemIt = globalGridView.template begin</*codim=*/0>();
diff --git a/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.cpp b/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..792f83b58
--- /dev/null
+++ b/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,674 @@
+/*
+  Copyright 2019 Equinor AS.
+
+  This file is part of the Open Porous Media project (OPM).
+
+  OPM is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+
+  OPM is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with OPM.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+*/
+#include <config.h>
+#if HAVE_MPI
+#include <mpi.h>
+#endif
+
+#include "ParallelRestart.hpp"
+#include <dune/common/parallel/mpitraits.hh>
+
+namespace Opm
+{
+namespace Mpi
+{
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T*, std::size_t, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T*, std::size_t l, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    int size;
+    MPI_Pack_size(1, Dune::MPITraits<std::size_t>::getType(), comm, &size);
+    std::size_t totalSize = size;
+    MPI_Pack_size(l, Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), comm, &size);
+    return totalSize + size;
+#else
+    (void) comm;
+    return l-l;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T* data, std::size_t l, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data, l, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T&, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T&, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    int size{};
+    MPI_Pack_size(1, Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), comm, &size);
+    return size;
+#else
+    (void) comm;
+    return 0;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::pair<T1,T2>& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data.first, comm) + packSize(data.second, comm);
+}
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::vector<T>& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    if (std::is_pod<T>::value)
+        // size written automatically
+        return packSize(data.data(), data.size(), comm);
+
+    std::size_t size = packSize(data.size(), comm);
+
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+        size+=packSize(entry, comm);
+
+    return size;
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const char* str, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    int size;
+    MPI_Pack_size(1, Dune::MPITraits<std::size_t>::getType(), comm, &size);
+    int totalSize = size;
+    MPI_Pack_size(strlen(str)+1, MPI_CHAR, comm, &size);
+    return totalSize + size;
+#else
+    (void) str;
+    (void) comm;
+    return 0;
+#endif
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const std::string& str, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(str.c_str(), comm);
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::map<T1,T2> data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t totalSize = packSize(data.size(), comm);
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+    {
+        totalSize += packSize(entry, comm);
+    }
+    return totalSize;
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::unordered_map<T1,T2> data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t totalSize = packSize(data.size(), comm);
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+    {
+        totalSize += packSize(entry, comm);
+    }
+    return totalSize;
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Rates& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    return packSize(data, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Connection& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    return packSize(data, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Segment& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    return packSize(data, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Well& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t size = packSize(data.rates, comm);
+    size += packSize(data.bhp, comm) + packSize(data.thp, comm);
+    size += packSize(data.temperature, comm);
+    size += packSize(data.control, comm);
+    size += packSize(data.connections, comm);
+    size += packSize(data.segments, comm);
+    return size;
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::CellData& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data.dim, comm) + packSize(data.data, comm) + packSize(data.target, comm);
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const RestartKey& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data.key, comm) + packSize(data.dim, comm) + packSize(data.required, comm);
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Solution& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    return packSize(static_cast<const std::map< std::string, data::CellData>&>(data), comm);
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::WellRates& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    return packSize(static_cast<const std::map< std::string, data::Well>&>(data), comm);
+}
+
+std::size_t packSize(const RestartValue& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    return packSize(data.solution, comm) + packSize(data.wells, comm) + packSize(data.extra, comm);
+}
+
+////// pack routines
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T*, std::size_t, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T* data, std::size_t l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+          std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    MPI_Pack(&l, 1, Dune::MPITraits<std::size_t>::getType(), buffer.data(),
+             buffer.size(), &position, comm);
+    MPI_Pack(data, l, Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), buffer.data(),
+             buffer.size(), &position, comm);
+#else
+    (void) data;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) l;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T* data, std::size_t l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data, l, buffer, position, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm, std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    MPI_Pack(&data, 1, Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), buffer.data(),
+             buffer.size(), &position, comm);
+#else
+    (void) data;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data, buffer, position, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::pair<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.first, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.second, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const std::vector<T>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    if (std::is_pod<T>::value)
+    {
+        // size written automatically
+        pack(data.data(), data.size(), buffer, position, comm);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    pack(data.size(), buffer, position, comm);
+
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+        pack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const char* str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    std::size_t length = strlen(str)+1;
+    MPI_Pack(&length, 1, Dune::MPITraits<std::size_t>::getType(), buffer.data(),
+        buffer.size(), &position, comm);
+    MPI_Pack(str, strlen(str)+1, MPI_CHAR, buffer.data(), buffer.size(),
+         &position, comm);
+#else
+    (void) str;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+void pack(const std::string& str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(str.c_str(), buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.size(), buffer, position, comm);
+
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+    {
+        pack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+    }
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::unordered_map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.size(), buffer, position, comm);
+
+    for (const auto& entry: data)
+    {
+        pack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+    }
+}
+
+void pack(const data::Rates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    pack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void pack(const data::Connection& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    pack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void pack(const data::Segment& data,std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    pack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void pack(const data::Well& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.rates, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.bhp, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.thp, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.temperature, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.control, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.connections, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.segments, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const RestartKey& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.key, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.dim, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.required, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const data::CellData& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.dim, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.data, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.target, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const data::Solution& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    pack(static_cast<const std::map< std::string, data::CellData>&>(data),
+         buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const data::WellRates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    pack(static_cast<const std::map< std::string, data::Well>&>(data),
+         buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void pack(const RestartValue& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    pack(data.solution, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.wells, buffer, position, comm);
+    pack(data.extra, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+/// unpack routines
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T*, const std::size_t&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T* data, const std::size_t& l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+            std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    MPI_Unpack(buffer.data(), buffer.size(), &position, data, l,
+               Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), comm);
+#else
+    (void) data;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) l;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T* data, const std::size_t& l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data, l, buffer, position, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>)
+{
+    OPM_THROW(std::logic_error, "Packing not (yet) supported for this non-pod type.");
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm, std::integral_constant<bool, true>)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    MPI_Unpack(buffer.data(), buffer.size(), &position, &data, 1,
+               Dune::MPITraits<T>::getType(), comm);
+#else
+    (void) data;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data, buffer, position, comm, typename std::is_pod<T>::type());
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::pair<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data.first, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.second, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(std::vector<T>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t length=0;
+    unpack(length, buffer, position, comm);
+    data.resize(length);
+
+    if (std::is_pod<T>::value)
+    {
+        unpack(data.data(), data.size(), buffer, position, comm);
+        return;
+    }
+
+    for (auto& entry: data)
+        unpack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(char* str, std::size_t length, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    MPI_Unpack(buffer.data(), buffer.size(), &position, const_cast<char*>(str), length, MPI_CHAR, comm);
+#else
+    (void) str;
+    (void) comm;
+    (void) length;
+    (void) buffer;
+    (void) position;
+#endif
+}
+
+void unpack(std::string& str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t length=0;
+    unpack(length, buffer, position, comm);
+    std::vector<char> cStr(length, '\0');
+    unpack(cStr.data(), length, buffer, position, comm);
+    assert(str.empty());
+    str.append(cStr.data());
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t size=0;
+    unpack(size, buffer, position, comm);
+
+    for (;size>0; size--)
+    {
+        std::pair<T1,T2> entry;
+        unpack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+        data.insert(entry);
+    }
+}
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::unordered_map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    std::size_t size=0;
+    unpack(size, buffer, position, comm);
+
+    for (;size>0; size--)
+    {
+        std::pair<T1,T2> entry;
+        unpack(entry, buffer, position, comm);
+        data.insert(entry);
+    }
+}
+
+void unpack(data::Rates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    unpack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void unpack(data::Connection& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    unpack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void unpack(data::Segment& data,std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // plain struct no pointers -> treat as pod
+    unpack(data, buffer, position, comm, std::integral_constant<bool,true>());
+}
+
+void unpack(data::Well& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data.rates, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.bhp, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.thp, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.temperature, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.control, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.connections, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.segments, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(RestartKey& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data.key, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.dim, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.required, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(data::CellData& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data.dim, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.data, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.target, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(data::Solution& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    unpack(static_cast<std::map< std::string, data::CellData>&>(data),
+           buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(data::WellRates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    // Needs explicit conversion to a supported base type holding the data
+    // to prevent throwing.
+    unpack(static_cast<std::map< std::string, data::Well>&>(data),
+           buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+void unpack(RestartValue& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm)
+{
+    unpack(data.solution, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.wells, buffer, position, comm);
+    unpack(data.extra, buffer, position, comm);
+}
+
+} // end namespace Mpi
+RestartValue loadParallelRestart(const EclipseIO* eclIO, SummaryState& summaryState,
+                                 const std::vector<Opm::RestartKey>& solutionKeys,
+                                 const std::vector<Opm::RestartKey>& extraKeys,
+                                 Dune::CollectiveCommunication<Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator> comm)
+{
+#if HAVE_MPI
+    data::Solution sol;
+    data::Wells wells;
+    RestartValue restartValues(sol, wells);
+
+    if (eclIO)
+    {
+        assert(comm.rank() == 0);
+        restartValues = eclIO->loadRestart(summaryState, solutionKeys, extraKeys);
+        int packedSize = Mpi::packSize(restartValues, comm);
+        std::vector<char> buffer(packedSize);
+        int position=0;
+        Mpi::pack(restartValues, buffer, position, comm);
+        comm.broadcast(&position, 1, 0);
+        comm.broadcast(buffer.data(), position, 0);
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        int bufferSize{};
+        comm.broadcast(&bufferSize, 1, 0);
+        std::vector<char> buffer(bufferSize);
+        comm.broadcast(buffer.data(), bufferSize, 0);
+        int position{};
+        Mpi::unpack(restartValues, buffer, position, comm);
+    }
+    return restartValues;
+#else
+    (void) comm;
+    return eclIO->loadRestart(summaryState, solutionKeys, extraKeys);
+#endif
+}
+} // end namespace Opm
diff --git a/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.hpp b/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..cf80420b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/opm/simulators/utils/ParallelRestart.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,258 @@
+/*
+  Copyright 2019 Equinor AS.
+
+  This file is part of the Open Porous Media project (OPM).
+
+  OPM is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+  it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+  the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+  (at your option) any later version.
+
+  OPM is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+  but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+  MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+  GNU General Public License for more details.
+
+  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+  along with OPM.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+*/
+#ifndef PARALLEL_RESTART_HPP
+#define PARALLEL_RESTART_HPP
+
+#if HAVE_MPI
+#include <mpi.h>
+#endif
+
+#include <opm/output/eclipse/RestartValue.hpp>
+#include <opm/output/eclipse/EclipseIO.hpp>
+#include <opm/output/eclipse/Summary.hpp>
+
+#include <dune/common/parallel/mpihelper.hh>
+
+#include <vector>
+#include <map>
+#include <unordered_map>
+namespace Opm
+{
+namespace Mpi
+{
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T*, std::size_t, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T*, std::size_t l, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T* data, std::size_t l, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T&, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T&, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+                     std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const T& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::pair<T1,T2>& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::vector<T>& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const char* str, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const std::string& str, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::map<T1,T2> data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+std::size_t packSize(const std::unordered_map<T1,T2> data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Rates& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Connection& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Segment& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Well& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::CellData& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const RestartKey& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::Solution& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const data::WellRates& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+std::size_t packSize(const RestartValue& data, Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+////// pack routines
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T*, std::size_t, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T* data, std::size_t l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm, std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T* data, std::size_t l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm, std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::pair<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+void pack(const std::vector<T>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+
+void pack(const char* str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const std::string& str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void pack(const std::unordered_map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+
+void pack(const data::Rates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::Connection& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::Segment& data,std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::Well& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const RestartKey& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::CellData& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::Solution& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const data::WellRates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void pack(const RestartValue& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+          Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+/// unpack routines
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T*, const std::size_t&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T* data, const std::size_t& l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm,
+            std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T* data, const std::size_t& l, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T&, std::vector<char>&, int&,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator, std::integral_constant<bool, false>);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm, std::integral_constant<bool, true>);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(T& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::pair<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T>
+void unpack(std::vector<T>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+
+void unpack(char* str, std::size_t length, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(std::string& str, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+template<class T1, class T2>
+void unpack(std::unordered_map<T1,T2>& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::Rates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::Connection& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::Segment& data,std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::Well& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(RestartKey& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::CellData& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::Solution& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(data::WellRates& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+void unpack(RestartValue& data, std::vector<char>& buffer, int& position,
+            Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator comm);
+
+} // end namespace Mpi
+RestartValue loadParallelRestart(const EclipseIO* eclIO, SummaryState& summaryState,
+                                 const std::vector<Opm::RestartKey>& solutionKeys,
+                                 const std::vector<Opm::RestartKey>& extraKeys,
+                                 Dune::CollectiveCommunication<Dune::MPIHelper::MPICommunicator> comm);
+
+} // end namespace Opm
+#endif // PARALLEL_RESTART_HPP