Prediction of Human Error in Chemical Tanker Ship’s Tank Heating Process to Enhance Operational Safety

Depending on the nature of the cargo, specific temperatures must be maintained throughout the safe carrying and loading/unloading of chemical tankers. In this regard, tank heating systems are essential for maintaining the proper temperature range for chemical cargoes, particularly those transported at viscous or near-freezing temperatures. The operational process presents safety challenges because of the nature of the task that the ship crew must perform. Since human error is increasingly a major contributor to marine mishaps, this paper conducts a systematic human error prediction to ensure safe tank heating operations under various conditions. However, improper use of these systems can cause problems such as fire and explosion risk due to overheating, toxic gas formation, cargo deterioration, and equipment damage. This study examines operational practices and risks related to using tank heating systems in chemical tankers; evaluations are made in terms of energy efficiency, cargo safety, and environmental impacts. The paper discusses the fuzzy approach’s Success Likelihood Index Method (SLIM) to achieve this. The fuzzy approach in the suggested method can assist experts’ judgment in decision-making, and the SLIM offers a thorough human error prediction tool. “Perform the temperature increase gradually and prevent sudden temperature increases” is identified as a critical task with the highest human error probability (HEP: 5.28E-02) during chemical tanker tank heating operations.