This study investigates the transformative potential of blockchain-enabled information systems for transparent greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting in maritime training organizations, addressing critical gaps in regulatory compliance and environmental accountability. Through qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with five maritime education professionals, this research examines how distributed ledger technology can revolutionize compliance with emerging EU regulations, including FuelEU Maritime directives and EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) requirements, alongside International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. The study reveals that blockchain technology offers unprecedented solutions to longstanding challenges in maritime education systems, particularly in transparency, verification accuracy, and cross-organizational interoperability. Key findings highlight the technology's capacity to enable smart contract automation for real-time compliance monitoring, create immutable credentialing systems that enhance trust among stakeholders, and establish secure, tamper-proof records of seafarer competency development and environmental certification processes. Results demonstrate that blockchain-based systems can significantly strengthen the integrity of maritime training records while streamlining regulatory reporting processes.
Ports are facing growing demands to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, which brings forward considerable difficulties in managing data transparently and reliably. This paper investigates the potential of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to strengthen ESG practices within port operations by improving the clarity, traceability, and automation of emissions data. Through qualitative analysis of key case studies and a review of existing literature on DLT in maritime logistics, the research highlights how DLT offers a decentralized and tamper-resistant way to handle ESG data. At the same time, it addresses challenges related to technology scalability, integration with current systems, and gaining stakeholder support. The results offer important perspectives for ports and policymakers as they address these challenges, helping to promote sustainability and improve adherence to regulations in the global maritime industry.
Son Nguyen, Aengus Leman, Zhe Xiao, Xiuju Fu · 10 authors
Efficiency and sustainability are undisputedly the most critical objectives for modern ports. Current exercises for port services still lack performance profiling for arriving vessels regarding their arrival punctuality and compliance with port resource schedule for Just-in-time (JIT) service, as well as their efforts contributing towards less emission through reduced turnaround time within port. As a result, a performance-based incentive is missing. Bringing in the incentive component may facilitate the objectives of achieving both port efficiency and sustainability. Blockchain technology, owning to its intrinsic features like immutability, traceability, governance and provenance, and in-built tokens (for most public chain platforms), allow for the establishment of system solutions to record key performance indicators (KPIs) and distribute incentives to good performers. This paper is the first to propose a blockchain-based system to incentivize JIT and green operations in ports. The platform system design and operating mechanisms are elaborated in detail, and a prototype system has been implemented based on the Solana blockchain to demonstrate the core features. The current system’s potential is substantial, considering the industry’s increasing awareness about its environmental footprint. Continuous developments can be facilitated by connecting to market-based measures such as carbon pricing and emission trading in the maritime sector.
This paper proposes a blockchain-based framework to improve the efficiency of ship traffic in port. In the framework, ship agents, terminals, tug company, pilot station, and government share information and the information is stored in a blockchain. Based on the shared information, we discuss three categories of data-driven models that can improve the operations management of the above five parties. The first category is decisions made by a single party. The second category involves decisions of at least two ship agents. The third category relates to multi-party decision-making under uncertainty. This study hopes to stimulate maritime practitioners to embrace blockchain technology and data-driven approaches to enhance the competitiveness of the industry.
Abstract To reduce emissions in the maritime transport sector, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) follows a global clean shipping strategy. Among the different directives of IMO, currently especially the sulphur emission regulations pose challenges for the shipping industry. Related to this are the established Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs) and the introduced global sulphur cap. To comply with the sulphur restrictions, according to the present technological state of the art, ship-owners have three options for their existing fleet: the installation of emission abatement technologies, the switch to low sulphur fuels, or retrofitting for the usage of alternative fuels. Regardless which option is favoured, most often selected solutions still depend on fossil fuels. The reasons for this can be traced back to the fact that supply of biofuels is not ensured in ports and generally seen as no profitable solution. This paper develops and examines an innovative business model with a special focus on liquefied biogas (LBG). The study bases on collected qualitative and quantitative data, which was used by applying the Business Model Canvas. The results will highlight that the business model bears the potential to promote LBG supply. Next to this, the research will show that blockchain and smart contracts are able to foster the implementation of the business model and optimisation of value chain operations. Lastly, economic advantages were highlighted within a case study that refers to the seaport Karlskrona in Sweden and the RoPax ferries from Stena Line that travel back and forth to Gdynia seaport in Poland.