Application of CREAM human reliability model to cargo loading process of LPG tankers

• A quantified human reliability assessment towards cargo loading operation on-board liquefied petroleum gas tankers.
• The research has practical values in reliability assessment into LPG tanker ships
• The quantified outcomes of the research such as adjusted CFP will be utilised to avoid human error in marine environment.
• The CREAM technique contributes to maritime safety and marine environmental protection.
• It enables to monitor and evaluate crew performance in operational level.

The storage and handling processes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) constitutes a complex operational environment in the maritime mode of transportation. The LPG cargo is carried by specially designed ships called LPG tankers. The LPG cargo loading and discharging operations have always potential hazards. Thus, the crew on-board LPG tankers should be fully aware of operational risks during the cargo handling process, which includes various critical tasks such as drying, inerting, gassing-up, cooling, and reliquefaction. During these stages, human reliability (operation without failure) plays a crucial role in sustainable transportation of cargo. Human reliability analysis (HRA), related to various parameters such as the human factor, technology, and ergonomics, is always a critical consideration as regards maritime safety and environment. The main focus of the research is to systematically predict human error potentials for designated tasks and to determine the required safety control levels on-board LPG ships. The paper adopted CREAM (Cognitive reliability and error analysis method) basic and extended versions in order to assess human reliability along with the cargo loading process on-board LPG tanker ships. Specifically, the model is demonstrated with an operational case study. Consequently, the research provides should contribute to maritime safety at sea and prevention of human injury and loss of life on-board LPG ship.