Framework and implementation of a fuzzy logic filter—an optimization strategy for the BWMS based on stakeholders’ perspectives

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (IMO 2018 Edition) was adopted in 2004 and came into force on 8 September 2017, aiming to introduce global regulations to control the transfer of potentially invasive species. Large efforts have been made by the maritime industry in creating reliable strategies for the installation of systems on board (Register 2014). Environmental considerations (INTERTANKO 2018) and optimization for the management systems (IMO 2017 Report) are factors broadly considered to tackle this matter. A consistent implementation strategy must be stated before the ballast water management system (BWMS) installation project starts—the management of stakeholders (e.g. ship owners, classification societies, administration, shipyards) is an important aspect of this process. This relies on their expertise, which in turn results in a high level of engagement and supports the implementation plan into the organizations. The creation of a framework for the optimization process, considering the implementation project of a BWMS on board of oil tankers, is the first part of this research. The use of fuzzy logic principles in the second part—as an evaluation instrument from a ranking obtained by multicriteria principles—sums up the aim of this paper, where the peculiarities about oil tankers’ modelling will be discussed throughout the analysis of 2 optimization cases (Suezmax and Aframax).