Session: 14-01-04: Smart and Sustainable Maritime Systems

Submission Number: 156975

Analysis of Extreme Weather Factors for Ship Contact Accidents In Ports Over the Past 25 Years 

Ship contact accidents in ports present critical safety and operational challenges, particularly when it involves ship-to-port infrastructure. This research aims to analyze risk factors that contribute to such accidents. The objectives are in twofold: (1) to identify significant risk factors-including extreme weather events, human, ship, and organizational, and (2) to quantify these factors for effective prioritization and risk mitigation.

Using global port accident records and accident investigation report datasets, the research will employ the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). HFACS will be utilized for the identification of risk factors. This method is chosen for its structured and systematic assessment of potential hazards, their causes, and impacts which ensures that extreme weather events, human, operational influences are comprehensively analyzed. Given the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, this study will place a core focus on how extreme weather events contributes to contact accidents in ports, showing their important role in causing these incidents. To analyze and quantify the identified factors, the research will further employ the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) enabling a hierarchical comparison of identified factors to determine their relative importance and inform targeted risk-reduction strategies. The combined application of HFACS and AHP establishes a framework for understanding and addressing contact-related risks in ports.

This study will answer pivotal questions, such as what risk factors contribute the most and are critical in influencing contact incidents. The findings will provide valuable insights for port authorities, policy makers, and maritime stakeholders, guiding the development of focused safety measures and reinforcing port resilience against future incidents.

Keywords: Collision, Allision, Ports, Risk factors, HFACS, AHP, Risk mitigation.

Presenting Author: Gabriel Chikelu Aalto University

Presenting Author Biography: Gabriel Chikelu is a dedicated researcher passionate about tackling the pressing climate challenges facing ports and the maritime sector. With a strong commitment to research, Gabriel’s interest lies in finding sustainable, practical solutions for ports and this is rooted in the belief that adapting to climate impacts is essential for the future of global trade and coastal communities.
Prior to academia, Gabriel had background in maritime law, working in a full-service commercial law firm in Nigeria, with a core focus on maritime disputes and regulatory compliance. Driven by a commitment to the maritime sector, he pursued a master’s degree in Maritime Affairs at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, graduating in 2021.
Currently, Gabriel is a doctoral researcher at Aalto University, specializing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering within the Marine and Arctic Technology Research Group. His research at Aalto University places focus on developing innovative strategies that enhance the resilience of port infrastructure to extreme weather events. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to integrate insights from both legal and engineering perspectives to support sustainable port operations and climate adaptability.