The Role of Simulation Technology in Enhancing Port Crane Operator Competence and Safety

Global maritime trade increasingly depends on efficient and safe port operations, where crane operators play a vital role in container handling. Although traditional training methods are effective, they require considerable time and may involve operational risks. Simulation-based training offers a risk-free, cost-effective, and performance-oriented alternative. This study evaluated the effectiveness of simulator training for ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) crane operators by examining error types, training periods, and changes in operator performance. Using high-fidelity simulators, training was divided into four periods for each crane type, and operator errors were systematically recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and, for STS data, correlation and regression analyses. Critical, major, and minor errors among STS operators decreased significantly over time, indicating skill acquisition and learning progression. In contrast, RTG error counts followed a non-monotonic pattern, with no statistically significant differences among the four periods. These findings show that simulator-based performance trajectories may vary according to equipment type, task structure, and training protocol. Simulation training can support safer and more efficient port operations, but effective implementation requires adaptive programs, standardized assessment protocols, and consideration of individual performance variability.