Ensuring safety and reliability in offshore operations: A fuzzy DEMATEL study on dynamic positioning system hazards

Dynamic positioning (DP) systems are vital for offshore operations such as oil and gas extraction, wind energy installations, and submarine cable laying, ensuring vessels maintain position despite environmental forces like wind, waves, and currents. These systems integrate GPS, wind sensors, and gyrocompasses to control thrusters, allowing precise positioning. However, failures and operational hazards in DP systems can compromise safety and efficiency. This study uses the Fuzzy DEMATEL method to identify and analyze critical hazards in DP systems, offering valuable insights for enhancing safety in offshore operations. DP systems consist of a power management system, thrusters, sensors, computers, and an operator console. The power management system ensures energy reliability, thrusters adjust vessel position, and computers process data for continuous operation. Operator consoles provide human-machine interaction for real-time interventions. This complex interdependence underscores the critical nature of system performance. The study employs expert surveys to analyze cause-effect relationships among hazards using the Fuzzy DEMATEL approach. Key factors evaluated include human error, environmental conditions, power failures, cargo shifting, collisions with support vessels, and impacts on vessel stanchions. Results indicate human factors exert the most critical influence (ri + ci: 6.14, ri: 2.88), emphasizing their role in system reliability. Environmental factors (ri + ci: 5.98) and power failures (ri + ci: 5.92) also significantly impact DP operations. Cargo shifting (ri−ci: 0.33) poses stability hazards, particularly under adverse weather. Collisions with support vessels (ri−ci: 0.29) and stanchion impacts (ri−ci: 0.24) highlight physical risks requiring careful management. To mitigate these hazards, the study recommends regular maintenance of power and electrical equipment, enhanced operator training, improved communication between crane operators and deck personnel, and the development of resilient technologies against harsh environmental conditions. This research contributes to advancing safety standards and minimizing hazards in offshore operations.