Investigation of marine accidents caused by liquefication of nickel ore cargo in sea transport with fault tree analysis and failure modes effects analysis methods

Maritime accidents that occur due to the liquefaction of dry bulk cargo in maritime problems are an important phenomenon with serious losses of life, property, ships and problems with large explosions. International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code (IMSBC Code) dangerous dry bulk cargoes are divided into three groups: Group A, Group B and Group C. Cargoes that carry the risk of liquefaction if the moisture content exceeds the transportable moisture limit (TML) are included in the Group A type cargoes. Nickel ore cargo is also in this class and many loss accidents occur while it is distributed, it is a cargo that needs to be taken into consideration during the loading and transportation process. It may result in liquefaction of the cargo, shifting of the cargo within the hold, and complete loss of the ship by capsizing. It is the most important and uncertain safety element in sea conditions. This thesis aims to develop safety awareness in nickel ore transportation. For this reason, a comprehensive quantitative risk analysis was carried out on the causes of maritime accidents that occur due to liquefaction of nickel ore in maritime transportation. Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis (FFTA) and Fault Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methods are methodical for this capability risk analysis evaluation. While the Fuzzy Fault Tree method was used to identify the main events/faults that caused the liquefaction of the nickel ore cargo and to perform risk analysis, the Fault Modes and Effects Analysis method was used to evaluate the risk priority numbers of the faults. To reveal the potential dangers and consequences of the liquefaction problem seen in nickel ore cargo, to present a hybrid risk analysis by combining the Fault Tree Analysis method under fuzzy logic and integrating it with the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis method, to present a comprehensive risk analysis on the events that cause liquefaction of nickel ore cargo in maritime transportation, to reveal the safety culture in maritime transportation and to contribute to the safety management systems on dry bulk carriers and the management of potential risks related to liquefiable dry bulk cargo are the aims of the this thesis. It is thought that the results of this thesis study will contribute to maritime stakeholders such as P&I clubs, flag states, chartering, loading, transportation companies and higher education institutions and the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code.