APPLICATION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN MARITIME LOGISTICS

Blockchain technology is mainly implemented in the financial services. However, there are more and more companies from different industries considering the possibility of using this technology. Potential benefits of blockchain are also recognized in logistics management. In sea shipping similar to other transport modes the application of blockchain-based solutions is still a new phenomenon. The paper presents a growing interest in blockchain technology in the area of transport and logistics and in maritime logistics in particular. The main aim of the paper is to classify current and planned applications of blockchain technology in sea shipping. To achieve this goal, two research methods were used: web content analysis and multi-case study. The results show that there are several container shipowners active in the blockchain projects, however, in terms of tonnage, they represent as much as 84% of the world\u27s container fleet. Four main ways of developing blockchain technology in the field of maritime logistics management are distinguished: shipowner’s projects, ICT providers’ projects, supply chain operators’ projects, dedicated consortia projects. The main fields within which blockchain technology is currently tested or already implemented are identified as: contracting and documentation flow (e.g. Bill of Lading), smart contracts, container/cargo track-and-trace, marine insurance, ship register system, bunker tracking system, crew certification system. The results of the paper have some managerial implications. They can help in making strategic decisions by sea shipping companies and maritime logistics operators to decide if it is worth to engage in such projects and choose the best option for themselves

Conditions for Developing a Port City Transport Infrastructure Illustrated with the Example of Szczecin Agglomeration

AbstractThe article discusses the problem of hinterland services of port cargoes in the case when the port is located inside an urban agglomeration. The research was conducted for the Port of Szczecin with regard to the planned extension of the container terminal. The research included technical and operational as well as environmental and economic criteria for three investment options developed by the authors. Investment solutions are intended to provide efficient unitized cargo handling to and from the port within the agglomeration area, which entails its integration with the specific urban traffic. The research findings will result in putting forward recommendations for large port cities transport infrastructure development strategies corresponding with the priorities of sustainable transport

Analysis of the Intermodal Transport Efficiency in the Central and Eastern Europe

The paper focuses on the problem of the efficiency of the intermodal transport system. Among the factors determining the transport system the key factors of the intermodal transport development in the Central and Eastern Europe were selected. The analysis included: intermodal transport units (ITU), means of transport and transhipment technologies, as well as organization conditions of intermodal connections. In addition, the costs structure of the intermodal delivery was analysed and its impact on the profitability of the whole supply chain. Observations have led to a number of detailed reflections and those are the basis of the following conclusions and recommendations of a general nature related to the region of the Central and Eastern Europe

Analysis of the Intermodal Transport Efficiency in the Central and Eastern Europe

The paper focuses on the problem of the efficiency of the intermodal transport system. Among the factors determining the transport system the key factors of the intermodal transport development in the Central and Eastern Europe were selected. The analysis included: intermodal transport units (ITU), means of transport and transhipment technologies, as well as organization conditions of intermodal connections. In addition, the costs structure of the intermodal delivery was analysed and its impact on the profitability of the whole supply chain. Observations have led to a number of detailed reflections and those are the basis of the following conclusions and recommendations of a general nature related to the region of the Central and Eastern Europe

Multi-criteria Decision making in Components Importance Analysis applied to a Complex Marine System

This paper presents a possible application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a multi-criteria analysis of components importance to a system reliability structure illustrated by a stern tube sealing system installed on deep sea ships. We used the AHP to determine the relevance of the importance ranks and made an importance analysis for the criteria of reliability, safety and repair costs. We compared our results with the measures analysed and presented in literature before. We also presented some conclusions on using the AHP for multi-criteria analysis of components importance in Complex Technical Systems (CTS). We finished with suggestions for further research on quantitative and qualitative methods of importance analysis

Integrated sustainable freight transport system for city multi-floor manufacturing clusters

The purpose of the article is to present the integrated sustainable freight transport system dedicated for city clusters. The presented concept and calculation model is the result of a broader study on the effectiveness of production and transport systems in urban areas. The integrated sustainable freight transport system described in this paper serves multi-floor manufacturing clusters and therefore meets two efficiency requirements: technological integration and process sustainability. The integration of in-house transport system servicing multi-floor manufacturing building and supply chain deliveries to/from logistic node is based on efficient use of Intelligent Reconfigurable Trolleys (IRTs). The calculation model of integrated freight transport system allows for the quantitative matching of key elements of the transport system to the multi-floor manufacturing cluster needs. Properly selected and functionally integrated elements of proposed transport system allows to minimize losses and reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment

The Importance of Emerging Technologies to the Increasing of Corporate Sustainability in Shipping Companies

Corporate sustainability is understood as the integration of economic, environmental, and social considerations into the company’s mission. In the shipping market, it allows for a wide spectrum of integration of corporate management areas: shipowners’ financial condition, environmental protection, work safety, seafarers’ health, and stable cooperation with shippers. The aim of this paper is to create a deeper understanding of how and which emerging technologies accelerate sustainability strategy of shipping companies. Three research perspectives have been adopted. The first one is aimed to examine shipowners’ approach to emerging technologies as a tool to improve their corporate sustainability performance. The second perspective gives a view of trends in the development of emerging technologies in shipping and how they related to sustainability. Taking the third perspective, we examine how effective, in the opinion of future seafarers, the use of emerging technologies is in improving corporate sustainability of shipping companies. The research methods for each of the perspectives are, respectively, a sustainability reports and ships’ registry data analysis, a patent analysis, and a questionnaire survey analysis. The results prove that shipowners use not only certain management practices, but also new technologies to enhance corporate sustainability. The transition to sustainable shipping will continue for many years to come and all shipping companies will have to become part of it

Assessing the Economical Efficiency of Intermodal Chains in Global Trade

The paper relates to the development of intermodal technologies used in international trade, together with factors which will influence that development at present and in the future. The aim of the paper is to assess impact of the integration of intermodal chains on logistics costs and thus on global trade. The special emphasize is laid on the problem of the diversity of standards of containers and transport technology in different parts of the world. This research is based on the available statistical data and information obtained from leading logistics operators. The authors conducted comparative analysis of the economic efficiency of usage of different sizes of cargo units, both standard and non-standard, relating to representative intermodal chain between the USA and Europe. In order to assess different scenarios a model was elaborated for calculating the total costs of such a chain, and transport efficiency analysis with the use of this model were conducted. The results of research presented in the paper confirm that integration of intermodal chains thanks to standardization of loading units in a global scale could be profitable. The results of logistics cost analysis prove measurable benefits for logistics operators and as well as their customers

Assessing the Economical Efficiency of Intermodal Chains in Global Trade

The paper relates to the development of intermodal technologies used in international trade, together with factors which will influence that development at present and in the future. The aim of the paper is to assess impact of the integration of intermodal chains on logistics costs and thus on global trade. The special emphasize is laid on the problem of the diversity of standards of containers and transport technology in different parts of the world. This research is based on the available statistical data and information obtained from leading logistics operators. The authors conducted comparative analysis of the economic efficiency of usage of different sizes of cargo units, both standard and non-standard, relating to representative intermodal chain between the USA and Europe. In order to assess different scenarios a model was elaborated for calculating the total costs of such a chain, and transport efficiency analysis with the use of this model were conducted. The results of research presented in the paper confirm that integration of intermodal chains thanks to standardization of loading units in a global scale could be profitable. The results of logistics cost analysis prove measurable benefits for logistics operators and as well as their customers