As part of the LH2CRAFT consortium’s efforts to ensure key functional features that meet customer requirements, a comprehensive Quality Function Deployment (QFD) study was conducted under Task 2.6 (KPIs, Assessment Metrics, and QFD Method for Evaluating the Demonstrator) led by TWI. The findings of this task are expected to offer valuable insights into the decision-making process behind key project developments.
The study identified seven critical functional features essential to the project’s success: health and safety, material selection, system integration, environmental features, cargo pressure and temperature control, efficient design, and vent system control. These features were prioritised based on a blend of technical importance and implementation difficulty. The technical importance evaluated through customer needs, which were translated into seven key performance indicators (KPIs).
To evaluate and rank these features, the House of Quality (HoQ) tool was employed. A survey gathered input from stakeholders across various industries, categorised by organisational type, job profile, and level of involvement in the project. Each group brought distinct priorities to the table: classification societies emphasised technical and safety features, shipbuilders focused on system integration, academia highlighted balanced concern of efficient design and sustainability, and shipping companies prioritised material selection and operational efficiency. Notably, other technology providers ranked operational performance over environmental concerns.
The study revealed that stakeholders with high involvement in the project prioritised efficient design and material selection, while those with lower involvement focused more on operational safety, with less emphasis on environmental concerns. Job profiles also played a role in shaping priorities, with academia focused on design fundamentals, engineers on cargo control and safety, and business professionals on material selection.
This report provides critical insights to guide the LH2CRAFT development strategy, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives. By offering a thorough analysis of key functional features and stakeholder priorities, it supports the efficient allocation of resources and helps optimise both technical and operational aspects. The findings contribute to a more strategic, informed approach, ensuring that LH2CRAFT meets its goals effectively and on schedule.
