In a world where sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a business imperative, maritime professionals are turning their gaze towards blockchain technology to revolutionize agricultural supply chains, particularly for island communities. A recent study, published in the ‘BIO Web of Conferences’ (translated from French as ‘BIO Conference Web’), sheds light on how these professionals perceive the integration of blockchain in maritime-agricultural supply chains, and the findings are quite revealing.
Barasa Larsen, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Maritime Institute, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta, interviewed ten experienced maritime graduates with a decade of industry experience. The goal was to understand their readiness for technological transformation within traditional shipping operations. The results, analyzed through a phenomenological lens, show a sophisticated understanding of blockchain’s potential.
“Blockchain isn’t just about transparency; it’s about creating a shared truth among multiple stakeholders,” Larsen explains. The study found that 80% of the participants recognized the high potential of blockchain for supply chain transparency and environmental stewardship. This is a significant finding, as it indicates a strong awareness of blockchain’s benefits among maritime professionals.
However, the study also identified critical capacity-building needs. A striking 80% of participants highlighted the need for improved blockchain technology literacy, and 70% emphasized the importance of understanding agricultural supply chains better. This suggests that while the maritime industry is ready to embrace blockchain, it needs to upskill its workforce to fully harness its potential.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. Blockchain-enabled maritime-agricultural integration can lead to more efficient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains. For instance, it can facilitate the verification of carbon credits, a growing concern in the maritime industry. Moreover, it can enhance multi-stakeholder coordination, a critical aspect of supply chain management.
The opportunities are equally compelling. Maritime education institutions can use these findings to transform their curricula, incorporating more blockchain and agricultural supply chain content. Industry players can collaborate to develop training programs and platforms that bridge the current knowledge gaps.
In essence, this study serves as a wake-up call and a roadmap for the maritime industry. It’s a call to action to embrace blockchain technology and upskill the workforce, and a roadmap for achieving comprehensive sustainability initiatives. As Larsen puts it, “The future of maritime-agricultural supply chains is not just about moving goods; it’s about moving towards a sustainable future.”