Aug 14 – 18, 2023
Europe/Berlin timezone

Integrating Human Factors in a Risk Assessment Framework for Shipboard Decarbonisation Systems

Aug 17, 2023, 12:50 PM
10m
Jupiter

Jupiter

Speaker

Dr SUNGIL AHN (University of Strathclyde)

Description

The global shipping industry's commitment to decarbonisation, driven by the need to meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) CO2 reduction targets by 2050, has spurred the exploration and implementation of diverse alternative propulsion systems, such as biofuels and carbon capture technologies. However, the consideration of risk perspectives, particularly human factors, for these new systems has been insufficient. Given that these technologies are still in the early stages or concept design phase, it becomes crucial to address the risks associated with their emergence. This paper presents a comprehensive human factors risk assessment framework specifically designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of shipboard decarbonisation systems throughout their entire lifespan, encompassing risks and human factors considerations from design to dismantle. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of human roles and functions within the new systems, the Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) method is employed, facilitating the identification and comprehension of human involvement and responsibilities. Performance shaping factors, including cognitive workload, task complexity, and human-machine interface design, are derived to identify potential risks that can affect human performance. Additionally, the framework acknowledges the interconnections between humans and machines, recognizing the dynamic interrelationships and dependencies within the system. To analyse these complex relationships, a barrier-based backbone model is utilized, providing a visual representation of system elements and barriers that can prevent or mitigate risks. The Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART) method is adopted to quantitatively assess the potential for human error, assisting in the development of proactive measures to address these risks. By incorporating these methods into the risk assessment framework, a comprehensive approach is achieved, effectively addressing the risks associated with emerging shipboard decarbonisation technologies while considering the critical role of human factors. This framework empowers industry stakeholders to identify, analyse, and mitigate risks across the entire lifespan of the system, ensuring compliance with the IMO's ambitious carbon reduction mandate. With its holistic perspective, the framework provides valuable insights into the safety and effectiveness of alternative decarbonisation systems, guiding decision-making processes toward sustainable and secure shipping practices.

References

  1. AHN, S. I., KURT, R. E. & AKYUZ, E. 2022. Application of a SPAR-H based framework to assess human reliability during emergency response drill for man overboard on ships. Ocean Engineering, 251, 111089.
  2. LEVESON, N. 2004. A new accident model for engineering safer systems. Safety science, 42, 237-270.
  3. LEVESON, N. G. & THOMAS, J. P. 2018. STPA handbook. NANCY LEVESON AND JOHN THOMAS, 3, 1-188.
  4. WILLIAMS, J. HEART—a proposed method for achieving high reliability in process operation by means of human factors engineering technology. Symposium on the Achievement of Reliability in Operating Plant, Safety and Reliability Society 1985. Taylor & Francis, 5/1-5/15.
  5. IMO, S. C. E. (2018). IMO. In: London.
Keywords Human Factors, Decarbonisation, Risk Assessment, STPA, HEART

Primary author

Dr SUNGIL AHN (University of Strathclyde)

Presentation materials

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