An exploration of blockchain adoption: application to international maritime supply chains and cross-Border trade

Abstract

Blockchain has made numerous breakthroughs in the past decade as an emerging technology. The benefits, obstacles, and adoption of this technology still lack in-depth research. A qualitative research method was chosen to conduct three semi-structured expert interviews to explore adoption within the maritime supply chains in order to find how to improve the cross border trading system. The outcomes of the thesis suggest that there is significant potential; however, the pace of adoption and the blockchain qualities employed differ. The main takeaways are that large and complex ecosystems favor blockchain adoption, but more understanding of the technology and transparent legal frameworks are required across the supply chain.