An integrated risk analysis method for tanker cargo handling operation using the cloud model and DEMATEL method

Abstract

Structural safety is one of the most important concerns in maritime transportation, which could be affected by different operations such as cargo handling operation. There are multiple factors that could affect the cargo handling operation process, however, the extent to which different factors may have on the ship structural safety has not been fully studied. To this end, this paper proposes an integrated risk analysis method for tanker cargo handling operation based on the cloud model and DEMATEL method. Firstly, 23 risk factors are identified based on analysis and previous literature, and the cloud model is adopted to express the linguistic judgments of different experts on the importance of different factors. Then, the judgments of different experts are combined using the cloud weighted average operator, where the weights of different experts are calculated using a subjective weight calculation method. Next, the DEMATEL method is employed to the combined cloud models of different factors, and a cause–effect diagram is constructed. Finally, the cause factors and effect factors are identified, and the results are analyzed and discussed.