Publication

Abstract : Electric-powered marine vessels are rapidly becoming the new trend in the marine sector as governments worldwide support net-zero emission vessels and sustainable marine transport. Alongside rapid advancements in charging technologies, numerous studies and research are focusing on port-based as well as offshore-based charging infrastructure. Offshore Floating Charging Stations (FCS) can act as a catalyst for accelerated growth in the fast-expanding number of electric marine vessels. The FCS system has an inherent risk of failure or underperformance owing to its offshore location and harsh environment. Hence, it becomes imperative that we effectively evaluate and possibly predict the underlying risk factors associated with these systems and their contributing factors. The manuscript focuses on the risk management of offshore floating electric vessel charging stations based on the risk identification and ranking. The work presents a report of an academic survey aimed at appraising the feasibility of implementing FCS. The survey respondents encompassed professionals from the shipping sector, renewable energy, and the power industry. By conducting a survey process, this study created a pairwise comparison matrix as input to Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to calculate and rank risk and then used Fuzzy AHP analysis to achieve a higher level of accuracy in risk ranking. This study primarily helps in enabling FCS to effectively manage associated risk issues by providing a structured approach to risk assessment and offering specific recommendations for mitigating the identified high-priority risks. In the FCS general risk factor ranking process, the study identified technical risk as the highest priority, followed by economic risk. Based on the identified risk factors and their rankings to appraise and alleviate potential risks in the FCS project, recommendations for risk mitigation were formulated. These suggestions can function as a reference framework throughout the practical implementation of the FCS system.