Multi-criteria evaluation of smart escape and emergency lighting alternatives for offshore platforms: case study of BorWin5

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility and benefits of adopting the IEC 62034:2012 standard for Automatic Testing Systems (ATS) for emergency and escape lighting on the BorWin5 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) offshore converter platform. The system comprises approximately 1800 luminaires from multiple manufacturers that are integrated into an open-architecture 220 VDC emergency network. Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches were employed to evaluate four con figurations, ranging from manual testing to fully automated, centrally powered systems, based on technical, economic, operational, and environmental criteria. The chosen solu tion, which combines centralized power with automated testing and real-time monitoring, represents a significant advancement in offshore safety infrastructure. Implementing this solution on BorWin5 enhances reliability and maintainability while ensuring compliance with international standards, supporting a projected service life of over 30 years for an emer gency and escape lighting system in an extreme marine environment. The findings offer a scalable model for future offshore platforms operating in similarly challenging conditions.