An integrated fuzzy MCDM model for evaluation and selection of a suitable tugboat

Tugboats are of vital importance in ports where a significant portion of world trade takes place. Selection of a tugboat that suitable for different operations in a port is a challenging problem that requires many different criteria to be evaluated at the same time. This selection requires high experience as well as technical knowledge of the tugboats and the operations to be carried out. In the present paper, an integrated model for evaluation and selection of tugboats is given. Based on the statistical data available in the study, assessment of the effect of different criteria on different harbour tugboats categorized according to the propulsion systems were carried out. The criteria for the tugboat alternatives were assessed through a questionnaire by subject-matter-experts containing comparative technical, financial and operational questions. The weights of each criteria were calculated using fuzzy Shannon’s entropy and fuzzy TOPSIS was utilized to rank the alternatives. Finally, the most suitable tugboat according to propulsion system was selected.