A holistic risk assessment under the D–S evidential theory and FMECA approach of ship recycling process hazards in the maritime environment

The ship recycling process is one of the most dangerous works performed in marine environments for not only human health but also marine environment and ecology due to the nature of the work. The process contains various hazards such as asbestos, heavy metal residues, pollutants, etc. for the marine environment. The aim of this paper is to systematically analyze ship recycling hazards and reveal potential consequences to the marine environment. To achieve this purpose, a holistic risk assessment incorporating failure mode effect critical analysis (FMECA) and Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence theory is adopted. Whilst the FMECA presents a systematic assessment of potential hazards and their consequences, the D–S evidence theory is capable of managing epistemic uncertainty in the assessment of risk parameters. The findings show that H6 (heavy metal residues) and H8 (toxins) have the highest RPN (risk priority number) which requires utmost attention for a sustainable ship recycling process in the maritime environment. The outcomes of the research provide valuable insight to maritime environment researchers, safety inspectors, and health safety environment and quality (HSEQ) managers for minimizing environmental hazards and enhance safety associated with the ship recycling process.