Utilizing Emotional Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Safety Behavior in Smart Port Operations

Due to the continuous development of globalization and the new era of the shipping industry, the smartening of port operations has become an urgent need. However, the question of whether smart ports impact the safety of port operations is worth exploring. This study examines the relationships among emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence, and safety behavior in the context of container terminal operations. This study drew upon the levels of control framework and conservation of resources theory to examine survey data collected from 281 operators working at Kaohsiung port. The survey responses were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis and a hierarchical regression model. The findings indicate that emotional and artificial intelligence significantly impact safety behavior. Furthermore, interactive self-emotion appraisal and emotion regulation positively moderate safety compliance. This study offers novel insights pertaining to terminal operations and discusses ways of employing artificial intelligence to facilitate safety operations at container terminals.