Responsible production and consumption : how my work is changing the world

Our research aims to identify and quantify the potential health, safety and environmental impact of ship recycling, as well as assisting the achievement of safe, environmentally-sound management of end of life ships. We provided evidence and data on potential risks to air emission, water pollution and human health and safety. In the ship recycling sector, we have helped to achieve a reduction in accidents, increased numbers of regulation compliant ship recycling yards, increased numbers of workers trained for ship recycling, increased use of personal protective equipment, and reduced sea and soil pollution

Marine accident learning with fuzzy cognitive maps (MALFCMs)

Statistical analysis of past accidents in maritime may demonstrate the trends for certain contributing factors in accidents, however, there is a lack of a suitable technique to model the complex interrelations between these factors. Due to aforementioned complex interrelations and insufficient information stored in accident databases, it was not possible to understand the importance of each factor in accidents, which prevented researchers from considering these factors in risk assessments. Therefore, there is a need for a capable technique to estimate the importance of each factor. The results of such a technique can be used to inform risk assessments and predict the effectiveness of risk control options. Thus, this study introduces a new technique for Marine Accident Learning with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (MALFCMs). The novelty of MALFCM is the application of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) to model the relationships of maritime accident contributors by directly learning from an accident database as well as having the ability to combine expert opinion. As each fuzzy cognitive map is derived from real occurrences supported by expert opinion, the results can be considered more objective. Thus, MALFCM may overcome the main disadvantage of fuzzy cognitive maps by eliminating or controlling the subjectivity in results. • A novel MALFCM method to weight human-contributing factors into maritime accidents has been developed. • With MALFCM method the main disadvantage of traditional FCMs is overcome. • The MALFCM method can produce logical results even by solely using information from historical data in the absence of expert judgement

Contribution of human factors to fishing vessel accidents and near misses in the UK

The research paper in hand presents a thorough exploration of the fishing vessel accidents and near misses in the UK fishing industry as well as the underlying human element factors and sub-factors contributing to them. In this respect, the regulatory regime in the fishing industry both at national and international level is initially examined while also complemented by the investigation of past research efforts to address these issues. Furthermore, the analysis of the fishing vessels accidents and near misses as recorded in the UK MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) database for a period of 19 years is performed in order to derive the causal factors leading to the fishing vessel accidents. It is initially shown that the fatalities and injuries taking place due to fishing vessels’ accidents have alarmingly remained unchanged over the last 15-20 years. Another key finding is that the number of accidents and near misses per day and night shifts is quite similar while most accidents take place in coastal waters. Furthermore, human factors are related to the vast majority of fishing vessels accidents with the principal ones referring to “non-compliance”, “equipment misuse or poorly designed”, “training” and “competence”. Finally, remedial measures are also suggested in order to address the main accident causes identified

Determinants to the implementation of corporate social responsibility in the maritime industry : a quantitative study

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved to a leading subject for both academic research and management practice. Although several standpoints exist to approach theoretical and practical implementation issues, however, CSR is, mostly, perceived as a managerial tactic that integrates and deals with sustainability challenge. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already attempted to align its policy with United Nation's (UN's) latest sustainability mandates and, specifically, with UN's 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. In that respect, the Organization has committed itself to establish a sustainable maritime transportation system by founding sustainability initiatives in a wider CSR framework. Further to a study carried out to 50 tanker and dry bulk maritime companies, the aim of this study is to investigate and discuss restricting factors and driving forces associated with the implementation of CSR in shipping. Chi-square independence test and contingency coefficient statistical measures are employed to test formulated hypotheses. Findings imply that lack of training and appreciation of long-term benefits that CSR can bring to an organization constitutes a significant discouraging factor to CSR engagement. In terms of CSR drivers, increased trust and improved company's image and relationships with key stakeholders represent a key motivating factor to CSR implementation

Reframing corporate social responsibility and sustainability in the aftermath of United Nations 2030 agenda : an empirical study into the tanker and dry bulk maritime sector

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development constitute an integral component of organization's strategy. Nowadays, growing environmental concerns have triggered a plethora of social initiatives and regulatory regimes. In view of United Nations 2030 Agenda, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) have stressed the leading and efficient attributes of shipping transport and committed themselves to the achievement of global sustainability mandates. Similarly, CSR has been identified as a strategic approach to manage sustainability challenges. However, with the exception of few shipping segments, CSR refers to a, relatively, newly introduced notion to the shipping business. Based on a survey questionnaire sent to tanker and /or bulk maritime companies this study aims to investigate CSR and sustainability configurations, as they have been shaped in the light of United Nations 2030 Agenda. Developed hypotheses are tested using Pearson chi-square independence test and Spearman's correlation coefficient measure. Findings illustrate CSR as a strategic management tool to integrate sustainability challenges. Thereafter, the integrated management system (IMS) approach is, highly, indicated as the most effective business model to address sustainability into maritime operations. Though, the lack of a non-legally binding CSR regime is not found to influence companies' decision to adopt CSR

Embracing sustainability in shipping : assessing industry's adaptations incited by the, newly, introduced 'triple bottom line' approach to sustainable maritime development

Increasing environmental, social and economic problems, born by unceasing economic growth, have transformed our approach to the development concept. The 1980s saw the appearance of the sustainable development term and, during the 1990s, sustainability notion was implicitly framed as an integrated concept, frequently, termed as the ‘triple bottom line’ approach. Among several initiatives and efforts to balance our economic and societal pursuits with environmental challenges the, lately, introduced United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) refer to a remarkable evolution, which came to strengthen and establish sustainability conception as an integrated social, economic and environmental triptych. International shipping, as the major carrier of world trade and significant contributor to environmental degradation has, definitely, a vital role to play in facilitating the UN’s sustainability venture. Although there is a great amount of legislative instruments, codes and guidance to address sustainability in shipping, though, limited research has been devoted to identify how the tanker and dry bulk maritime sector has responded to such recent cohesive attitude to sustainable maritime development. Through a quantitative research approach this empirical study aimed to investigate maritime industry’s insights and attitudes in relation to the, newly, introduced triple bottom line approach to global sustainable development. Research data were collected via a questionnaire survey conducted to 50 tanker and/or dry bulk shipping companies. Pearson’s chi-square test of independence and Spearman’s correlation coefficient measures were utilized to test our three formulated hypotheses. Findings highlighted increasing awareness and adaptation of the maritime sector to the triple bottom line approach and, subsequent, sustainability absorption under the auspices of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) business model. Introduction of sustainable development in an integrated manner appears to have influenced the extent that statutory maritime regulations occupy to the formulation of marine safety management systems. To sum up, the integrated management system model turned out to be the most rated tactic to manage sustainability and, as such, a conceptual CSR framework was proposed to facilitate such an objectiv

A quantitative study into perceptions and attitudes of corporate social responsibility and sustainability developments in international shipping

In recent decades the international community has demonstrated a growing concern and tendency to halt adverse environmental impacts generated by business activities. Among a plethora of regulatory initiatives and collaborations, the 2030 Agenda, and incorporated 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), represent United Nations recent remarkable development toward this direction. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), as the United Nations (UNs) specialized Agency to deal with safety at sea and protection of the marine environment has been, actively, engaged and harmonized its strategy with global sustainability mandates. Similarly, a great deal of research and motivation has been placed on corporate social responsibility (CSR), as a business operating model that goes beyond regulatory compliance and integrates sustainability challenges. In view of the limited amount of related research in the tanker and dry bulk sector, the purpose of this paper is to investigate and provide a better understanding against perceptions and attitudes of CSR and sustainability in shipping. Research data collected via a questionnaire survey conducted in 50 shipping companies, based on 14 countries worldwide and managing tankers and/or dry bulk carrier ships. Hence, Chi-square test of independence and Spearman’s correlation coefficient measures are employed to test the statistical significance and strength of association between selected variables, verifying, thus, our formulated hypotheses. Findings show that shipping companies perceive CSR as a voluntary and beyond regulatory compliance businesses approach that, furthermore, shares current sustainability aspects. Moreover, shipping companies have been, increasingly, integrating into their safety management system (SMS) provisions of CSR and sustainability principles, while, at the same time, seek to remain compliant with statutory maritime legislation. However, certification against an official CSR Standard and, subsequent, adoption of standardized CSR measurement and reporting methods, has not yet been the case in shipping

Safety analysis of plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells in uncertain conditions with limited data

Well plugging and abandonment are necessitated to ensure safe closure of a non-producing offshore asset. Little or no condition monitoring is done after the abandonment operation, and data are often unavailable to analyze the risks of potential leakage. It is therefore essential to capture all inherent and evolving hazards associated with this activity before its implementation. The current probabilistic risk analysis approaches such as fault tree, event tree and bowtie though able to model potential leak scenarios; these approaches have limited capabilities to handle evolving well conditions and data unavailability. Many of the barriers of an abandoned well deteriorates over time and are dependent on external conditions, making it necessary to consider advanced approaches to model potential leakage risk. This paper presents a Bayesian network-based model for well plugging and abandonment. The proposed model able to handle evolving conditions of the barriers, their failure dependence and, also uncertainty in the data. The model uses advanced logic conditions such as Noisy-OR and leaky Noisy-OR to define the condition and data dependency. The proposed model is explained and tested on a case study from the Elgin platform's well plugging and abandonment failure

Application of a CREAM based framework to assess human reliability in emergency response to engine room fires on ships

For a human reliability assessment in the maritime domain, the main question is how we correctly understand the human factors in the maritime situation in a practical manner. This paper introduces a new approach based on Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM). The key to the method is to provide a framework for evaluating specific scenarios associated with maritime human errors and for conducting an assessment of the context, in which human actions take place. The output of the context assessment is, then, to be applied for the procedure assessment as model inputs for reflection of the context effect. The proposed approach can be divided into two parts: processing context assessment and modelling human error quantification. Fuzzy multiple attributive group decision-making method, Bayesian networks and evidential reasoning are employed for enhancing the reliability of human error quantification. Fuzzy conclusion of the context assessment is utilised by the model input in CREAM basic method and weighting factors in CREAM extended method respectively for considering human failure probability which varies depending on external conditions. This paper is expected to contribute to the improvement of safety by identifying frequently occurred human errors during the maritime operating for minimising of human failures

Marine accident learning with fuzzy cognitive maps (MALFCMs) : a case study on fishing vessels

Despite advanced safety systems installed on ships, marine accidents still occurs at a more-or-less constant rate. This situation can be attributed to the fact that accidents occurred in a complex way and the role of humans into past accidents is not properly understood in this process. Furthermore, a number of factors are combined to result in a failure/accident but interrelations of these factors are not well understood. Therefore, shipping industry can benefit from a practical method, which is capable of considering the interrelations and identifying the importance weightings for each factor involved in an accident. Thus, in this paper, a new technique for Marine Accident Learning with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (MALFCMs) is developed and demonstrated. The method utilises Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) to model the relationships by also integrating information from an accident database. By applying accident data instead of expert judgement, MALFCMs may overcome the main disadvantage of FCMs by controlling the subjectivity in results attributed to expert opinion. Within this study, MALFCMs is applied to fishing vessels accident data, in order to compare the results with the findings of an existing report provided by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). In order to make this comparison, Collision and Fire/explosion accidents were selected and comparatively analysed in this paper. Our study shows that MALFCM can produce results, which are in line with the findings from aforementioned EMSA report