An extended failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) combining cloud model, AHP and TOPSIS for cargo discharge operation failure

The sustainability of safety at sea is a critical issue for maritime transportation. Maritime safety in ship operations faces many threats. Therefore, analyzing operational failures in maritime transportation is imperative. FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) is a systematic technique widely employed to enhance operational safety and evaluate failures. In FMEA, the criticality level of potential failure modes is determined. However, traditional FMEA has some drawbacks, such as ignoring the uncertainty of expert judgements, considering risk factors with equal weight, and insufficient risk priority number (RPN) calculations. This paper aims to improve FMEA and propose a novel framework for the maritime industry. Within the proposed framework, the cloud model (CM), analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) approaches are integrated into FMEA. The FMEA-CM approach handles expert uncertainties, while the AHP-CM approach weights failure modes based on risk factors. Furthermore, the TOPSIS-CM approach is used to prioritize failure modes. To demonstrate the applicability of the framework, the cargo discharge operation on chemical tanker ships is examined as a unique case. The findings of the research indicate that FM8 (Improper management of ship stability) is the most critical failure mode for the cargo discharge operation. In this respect, the paper not only proposes a solid theoretical framework for maritime literature but also provides valuable insights to maritime stakeholders for enhancing safety.