Developing an advanced reliability analysis framework for marine systems operations and maintenance

Power generation system reliability is of great concern for all ship operators irrespective of sector, as it provides the highest utility and ensures collective safety of operators, passengers, equipment and cargo. A novel approach to system reliability analysis using DFTA, FMECA and BBN applied to 4 DGs has been conducted. The outcomes provide insight on faults and component criticality to vessel maintenance and availability. Building from the understanding of how multiple factors can influenced maintenance in addition to routine or age-related wear and tear of machinery. This research looked into operators' peculiar challenges regarding environment, operational demands and technology challenges that affects maintenance and system reliability. A framework based on outputs from DFTA minimal cut set, RPN from FMECA were used as inputs for BBN to analyse ship marine DG system availability. A BBN influence diagram was used to build a maintenance strategy DSS. Overall outcome for the maintenance strategy selection DSS indicates relatively high unavailability. Therefore, DGs with low avail-ability were recommended to be on Corrective action and ConMon, while DGs with good availability were recommended to be on PMS.

Automated summary

The reliability of the power generation system is crucial for ship operators in ensuring the safety of operators, passengers, equipment, and cargo. This study conducted a novel analysis of system reliability using DFTA, FMECA, and BBN for 4 DGs, providing insights on faults and component criticality for vessel maintenance and availability. The research also addressed the unique challenges faced by operators in terms of environment, operational demands, and technology, which affect maintenance and system reliability. Based on the outputs of DFTA minimal cut set and RPN from FMECA, a BBN influence diagram was used to establish a maintenance strategy decision support system (DSS). The overall outcome of the DSS indicates relatively high unavailability, suggesting corrective actions and continuous monitoring for DGs with low availability, and a preventive maintenance strategy for DGs with good availability.