Analysis of accidents during vehicle stowage on RO-RO vessels by using Fuzzy Bayesian networks

Abstract

Maritime transport is a risky type of transport due to its nature. As a result of the accidents, serious consequences that cause death, material damage and environmental pollution occur. Therefore, maritime safety researchers are trying to develop measures to reduce the risks posed by maritime operations. In this study, the Bayesian network (BN) method is used in the Fuzzy logic environment to analyse the risks during the stowage of vehicles in roll-on/roll-off vessels (Ro-Ro), a type of maritime transport. Fuzzy logic was used to estimate uncertainties in risk assessment, and a Bayesian network was used to identify risks and assess the probabilities of contributing sub-causes. Validation and sensitivity analyses were applied to the obtained findings, and their accuracy was tested under various conditions. The article contributes to eliminating the data gap on vehicle stowage operation risks. It also provides practical contributions to all maritime stakeholders (shipowners, stevedores, authorities, etc.) in risk reduction.