Accident Risk Analysis of Gas Tankers in Maritime Transport Using an Integrated Fuzzy Approach
Source abstract
Abstract
The maritime transport of liquefied gases poses significant safety and environmental hazards such as fire, explosion, toxic gas emissions, and air pollution. The main objective of this study was to systematically identify, analyze, and prioritise the potential risks associated with the operation of liquefied gas tankers using a hybrid methodological framework. This framework integrates Fuzzy Delphi, Fuzzy DEMATEL, and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) techniques to provide a comprehensive risk assessment. Initially, 20 key risk factors were identified through expert consensus using the Fuzzy Delphi method. The causal relationships between these factors were then assessed using Fuzzy DEMATEL to understand their interdependencies. Based on these results, accident probabilities were further analyzed using FTA modelling. The results show that fires, explosions, and large gas leaks are the most serious threats. Equipment failures—often caused by corrosion and operational errors by crew members—are also significant contributors. In contrast, cyber-related risks were found to be of lower criticality. The study highlights the need for improved crew training, rigorous inspection mechanisms, and the implementation of robust preventive risk controls. It also suggests that the prioritisation of these risks may need to be reevaluated as autonomous ship technologies become more widespread. By mapping the interrelated structure of operational hazards, this research contributes to a more integrated and strategic approach to risk management in the LNG/LPG shipping industry.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Maritime Navigation and Safety · Risk and Safety Analysis · Structural Integrity and Reliability Analysis
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Maritime Transportation and Management Programme, Karamürsel Maritime Vocational School, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41500, Türkiye
Maritime Business Management Department, Maritime Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli 41500, Türkiye
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