An integrated decision-making approach under spherical fuzzy environment for selection of vessel main engines

Abstract

Maritime transportation is the key element for global trade in the scope of cheaper, safer, and eco-friendly solutions. The capacity of a merchant vessel allows to carry vast number of cargoes with lower transportation costs. On the other hand, stakeholders aim to reduce fuel costs due to oil prices and environmental issues. One way to reduce consumptions is to sail with slow steaming. The other way is to use alternative fuels if vessels have suitable main engine specifications. In this scope, this study aims to determine possible alternative engine selection using fuzzy AHP TOPSIS method for a merchant vessel. The results showed that electric marine engine option was selected by expert group in the view of environmental impact, safety, economic, and applicability on board topics.