Novel Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Framework for Maritime Infrastructure Maintenance

The maintenance of critical maritime infrastructure is essential for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operations of marine seaports. This paper proposes a novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision framework for evaluating the maintenance practices and culture of maintenance-critical maritime infrastructure, such as port loading and unloading machinery and equipment. The proposed framework incorporates three distinct multi-criteria decision-making tools Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis, Weighted Aggregate Sum Product Assessment, and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. Fuzzy logic is incorporated into the framework to enhance the precision and robustness of the evaluation process. To form the basis of the assessment, the framework is structured around five key maintenance practice criteria: planning and scheduling; data collection and analysis; documentation and record keeping; maintenance personnel training; and competency, and four important maintenance culture criteria: leadership commitment, proactive and preventive approach, safety and compliance focus, and continuous improvement and learning. To validate the framework, an empirical evaluation was conducted, analyzing maintenance practices and culture across six Nigerian seaports. Data collection uses a questionnaire administered to relevant maintenance experts in the ports, ensuring a comprehensive and expert-informed analysis. The data collected was then analyzed using the fuzzy multi-criteria decision framework. The results provide valuable and actionable insights into the current maintenance practices and maintenance culture of the ports, identifying areas for improvement.