Applying blockchain technology for hyperconnected logistics

Abstract

Blockchain technology receives a lot of interest and investments the last three years. It promises a trusted environment for (un)permissioned data sharing. With respect to logistics, enterprises and authorities can (near) real time share state information. Whenever a stakeholder changes the state of one or more objects like discharging a container from a vessel, all that have access will know this change instantaneously. The Physical Internet requires a large variety of stakeholders to optimize their capacity utilization and combine shipments with the objective to reduce costs and emissions compliant with (inter)national regulations. These stakeholders all need to collaborate and share data to reach these objectives. This contribution shows by means of a case that blockchain supports functional requirements for hyperconnectivity, but is not yet mature enough for large scale application by a large number of (autonomous) objects, individuals, and organizations.