Fuzzy multi criteria decision making model for the selection of marine antifouling paints

Abstract

Antifouling paint is applied on a ship’s hull to prevent the formation of layer which can increase hull resistance. The use of antifouling paint is always considered as an investment since the cost per ship can be quite high. The selection of antifouling paint is considered as a major task for a large shipping company. Antifouling paint is selected based on a combination of criteria and the selection decision is normally done at two levels; engineer’s level and manager’s level. Decision by engineer is normally done based on technical merits and depends on discrete technical specification values. Decision by manager on the other hand, could consider criteria best gauged by approximation method. The research proposed a tool for the selection of antifouling paint by approximation method using fuzzy multi-criteria decision making method (MCDM). Five selection criteria have been selected and two of the criteria, market preference and local content have been established through survey by questionnaire and statistical analysis. The selection model has been developed based on MCDM approach and the selection algorithm for the computation of fuzzy selection value has been developed based on fuzzy method. The selection model has been transformed into a user friendly program using Microsoft EXCEL platform. The package has been tested for accuracy of output and the maximum inaccuracy is detected to be of 15%. For an extreme condition when all criteria are assigned with linguistic input “VL” (Very Low) representing a fuzzy number (1,1,2). An inaccuracy of 3.7% is detected when all criteria is assigned with linguistic input “VH” (Very High). The package has also been validated using a case study based on MISC BERHAD antifouling selection data. The validation result shows that the output from the package selects the same antifouling paint as by MISC BERHAD. The research has successfully developed the fuzzy MCDM model for the selection of marine antifouling paint.