Towards Functional Design for the Risk Management System of Maritime Accidents in Ice-Covered Arctic Waters From Resilience Perspectives

Abstract

Abstract With emerging activities of Arctic shipping, the public pays more attention to risk management of maritime accidents and associated devastating consequences in Arctic waters. A risk management system is necessary so as to mitigate maritime accidents and promote the resilience of the Arctic maritime transportation systems. Consequently, this paper proposes a four-step functional design framework for risk assessment (risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation) and risk treatment of ships operating in ice-covered Arctic waters, concerning the four abilities (e.g., learn, anticipate, monitor, respond) for building resilient systems. First of all, we learn the accident scenarios and potential risk influencing factors (RIFs) of ice navigation from lessons and experiences. Secondly, we anticipate the navigational risks and associated critical RIFs for ice navigation in Arctic waters. Thirdly, we monitor the ship’s navigational status in the sea ice environment (including navigational speed, power system, and hull structure. Furthermore, under three steps, the risk management system can respond to the decision-making of the risk control options (RCOs) for the specific navigational risks in ice-covered waters. The proposed functional design framework and associated models may assist with risk management in Arctic shipping.