Purpose: The objective of the present study is to determine an optimal configuration in terms of the type and number of components in order to maximize system availability and reduce costs, using an active redundancy allocation strategy, while considering load-sharing capability and the use of maintenance personnel under maintenance and leave policies, in the electrical power distribution system of a marine vessel. In the active redundancy strategy, all additional components and subsystems are operated simultaneously from the start of system operation, and the system fails only when all components have failed.

Methodology: In this study, a bi-objective model is developed for an electrical power distribution system with active redundancy in a marine vessel, where the first objective is minimization of total cost and the second objective is maximization of system availability. System behavior is simulated using a Markov chain and a phase-type distribution, and the model is solved using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). Failure of one component affects the failure rates of other components within the same subsystem, leading to an increase in their failure rates. In other words, the problem is analyzed under a load-sharing condition. A single repairman is considered for equipment repair. The maintenance and leave policy is defined such that if a component fails during the repairman’s leave period, the leave is terminated and repair of the failed component begins immediately. If another component fails while a component is under repair, it is placed in a repair queue, and the repairman starts repairing the next failed component immediately after completing the repair of the previous one. When the repairman is on leave and no component failure occurs, the repairman may resume the leave period.

Findings: The results of the study identify the optimal combination of the type and number of electrical power distribution panels in each subsystem of the vessel’s electrical power distribution system, aimed at increasing system availability and reducing costs through the use of active redundancy. In addition, the results provide the probability of the repairman being busy, which can support managerial decision-making regarding maintenance and leave policies.

Originality/Value: Considering the innovative aspects of the study, the results can be effectively used for engineering analyses, particularly in evaluating system availability, as well as for managerial analyses, including cost estimation and the allocation of maintenance personnel.