Blockchain Papers

Shabnam Rekabi, Zeinab Sazvar

No abstract is available for this record.

Jaja Suparman, Markus Yando, Nafi Almuzani, Ikhwanuddin Ikhwanuddin · 5 authors

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.

Milica Marinković

Cryptocurrency mining, particularly for Proof-of-Work (PoW) based currencies, poses significant environmental challenges due to excessive energy consumption, high levels of electronic waste, and substantial carbon footprint. This activity requires computing power with an energy demand comparable to that of entire nations, contributing to climate change through CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel-based energy sources. Additionally, the rapid obsolescence of mining equipment generates enormous amounts of e-waste, while air pollution from energy production harms human health. To mitigate these issues, the European Union's Green Deal aims for climate neutrality, including regulation of energy-intensive industries like crypto mining. For instance, France has adopted the Loi REEN (Régulation Énergie Électronique et Numérique), which limits the energy impact of digital technologies, including cryptocurrencies. While these regulations do not outright ban PoW mining, they establish frameworks for energy efficiency and sustainability, potentially leading to stricter measures in the future. This research highlights the need to transition toward more environmentally sustainable alternatives, such as Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains, to reduce the ecological impact of cryptocurrencies.

Vadym Derkach

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.

Zhaokun Li, Luteng Wang, G F Wang, Xu Xin · 6 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

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.

Sanja Bauk

The paper presents blockchain-based maritime supply chain system (BMSCS) and Blockshipping decentralized platform for containers' smart booking and releasing as one of BMSCS applications. The conceptual framework of BMSCS is discussed along with its actual benefits, frailties, and key players. In addition, Blockshipping global shared container platform (GSCP) is described at rather high level of abstraction; including its potentials to increase efficiency, reduce costs and environmental impacts through enhancing intelligent turnover of containers in the global trade. In addition, the results of a case study on adopting blockchain in emerging maritime economy in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa are presented and discussed. Some directions for further research in the field are given as well.

Shuyi Pu, Jasmine Siu Lee Lam

No abstract is available for this record.

Shuaian Wang, Lu Zhen, Liyang Xiao, Maria Attard

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.

Robert Philipp

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.

Mostafa Kermani, Giuseppe Parise, Erfan Shirdare, Luigi Martirano

In the last decade, the importance of modern grids is more sensible than before due to provided higher efficiency, reduced peak demand, improved security resulting in the alteration of grid shape from conventional grids to smart grids. The case study is the port of Long Beach (POLB), placed in California, which consists of 11 independent piers operating as a single microgrid that has an independent energy management system. This paper proposes an integrated energy management strategy based on blockchain technology for the POLB including all piers that significantly reduce the amount of peak power imposing extra cost from the port manager's point of view. In addition, the benefits of smart grids that are operating based on blockchain technology, such as high-level security, and efficient maintenance cost, will be discussed.

K. Komathy

No abstract is available for this record.