SOCIAL RISKS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PORT ENTERPRISES OF THE BLACK SEA REGION

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive examination of the radical transformation within maritime transport hubs of the Black Sea region, specifically focusing on Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria, through the lens of artificial intelligence (AI) integration as of 2026. In the current geopolitical and economic landscape, digitalization is no longer merely an option for operational excellence; it has become a strategic imperative for infrastructure recovery and a vital tool to compensate for the critical labor shortages caused by massive migration and demographic shifts. However, this rapid technological leap poses significant social challenges that threaten organizational stability.The primary aim of this study is to identify the multifaceted social risks associated with AI implementation in Black Sea ports and to develop a robust, practical mechanism for their mitigation to ensure the long-term resilience and stability of labor collectives.The methodology of the research is firmly anchored in the theory of socio-technical systems and the iterative Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, integrated with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. This dual approach allows for a balanced analysis of both technical efficiency and human factors.The research results include a specialized social risk matrix uniquely adapted to the regional context of the Black Sea. The study identifies four dominant risk groups: structural unemployment, the digital divide among age groups, algorithmic despotism, and the erosion of professional identity. The developed author’s risk matrix proves that while «staff reduction» (rated 5) and the «digital divide» (rated 4) exert the highest potential influence, the actual probability of mass redundancies in Ukraine is currently lower than the global average. This paradox is explained by the «labor vacuum» effect, where AI serves as a «gap-filler» rather than a «job-killer».The scientific novelty lies in the contextual adaptation of risk management tools specifically for maritime nodes operating in zones of high uncertainty and post-crisis recovery. The study introduces a unique feedback loop termed «Human-over-AI», designed to prevent algorithmic despotism by ensuring that AI-driven decisions regarding labor intensity and safety are subject to human expert validation. he study concludes that the ultimate success of digital port depends not on the technical replacement of human labor but on the orchestrated, evolutionary adaptation of the workforce, where AI acts as an inclusive tool for safety and efficiency.