Application of IF-TOPSIS method on fixed fire fighting systems for cargo hold fires on the dry/bulk cargo ships

Abstract

Solid bulk cargoes transported by dry/bulk cargo ships pose notable fire and safety risks. Such ships are equipped with fixed fire extinguishing systems that are meant to help fight cargo hold fires and ensure the safety of the ship, employees, and the environment. Thanks to fixed fire extinguishing systems, cargo hold fires can be fought effectively and safely but remotely, thus decreasing the danger required from human intervention. As these systems thus play crucial roles, especially in times of supply chain pressure across the globe, the research has sought to generate crucially industry-wide missing data for new investors and shipowners interested in fixed fire extinguishing systems. Herein, essential parameters for the potential selection and preferences for candidate-fixed fire extinguishing systems are quantitatively modeled. Additionally, the novel database, analyses, and results are derived and offer statistically-based value-added options for decision-makers, shipowners, and investors interested in these systems. Furthermore, to support the decision-making process, the novel qualitative and quantitative data and statistical approaches that are used can be used or otherwise easily appropriately modified for similar cargo ship-fixed fire system analyses, modeling, and optimized selection.