Operational failure prevention methodology for offshore systems using multiple criteria decision-making process

A framework for decision analysis, which has been applied on an operational offshore system and is based on a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) process, is presented in this paper. This provides a generic methodology for the evaluation of alternatives and implementation of operational and design improvements based on the experience gained from past failures. The Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method is modified and used as a significant criterion together with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in order to enhance the decision making process. The mathematical model of AHP identifies and combines the weight of changes, as well as the results of modified FMEA. This combination takes into account possible interactions among the causes of failure by integrating several elements, enhancing the FMEA method. Next, the paper describes a decision model that incorporates also decision maker’s subjective assessments and is suitably applied to an autonomously operating floating structure. This decision making technique, enables the manipulation of both qualitative assessments and quantitative metrics in order to improve final judgments and, in general, advance the operation of the complex floating system.