Ship Bunkering Operations Risk Assessment using Rule-Based Fuzzy Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FFMEA)

Abstract

Ship bunkering operations play a critical role in sustaining maritime transportation; however, they also entail significant risks to the environment, vessels, and crew. This study conducts a comprehensive quantitative risk assessment of bunkering operations using the rule-based fuzzy failure mode and effect analysis method. A total of 27 critical failure modes were identified, and expert evaluations were performed for the severity, frequency, and detectability of each failure mode. These evaluations are processed through fuzzy membership functions, an inference engine, and a set of 125 rules to calculate the fuzzy risk priority numbers (FRPNs) for each failure scenario. The analysis results indicate that the three most risky failure modes, as measured by their FRPN scores, are FM19 - Lack of proper control mechanisms (7.04), FM18 - Incorrect valve operations (6.93), and FM14 - Ineffective communication between ship crew and shore or barge personnel (6.92). The findings of this study present practical recommendations regarding critical failure modes, with notable implications for improving regulatory compliance, strengthening operational safety, and reducing maritime risks. These outcomes highlight the necessity of systematic risk assessment approaches to guide decision-making and promote safer, more sustainable bunkering operations.