Blockchain Framework For Secure And Efficient Maritime Supply Chain

Abstract

The Maritime Supply Chain Is One Of The Most Complex And Globally Distributed Networks In The World, Involving Multiple Stakeholders Such As Shipping Companies, Port Authorities, Freight Forwarders, Customs Agencies, Insurance Providers, And End Customers. Traditional Container Management Systems Are Burdened With Significant Inefficiencies Including Data Silos, Lack Of Real-time Transparency, Vulnerability To Document Fraud, High Administrative Overhead, And Excessive Delays Caused By Manual Paper-based Processes. This Paper Proposes A Comprehensive Blockchain-based Framework Designed To Deliver Secure, Transparent, And Highly Efficient Management Of Ship Containers Throughout The Entire Maritime Supply Chain Lifecycle. The Proposed System Leverages The Ethereum Blockchain Platform And Solidity Smart Contracts To Automate Container Registration, Real-time Cargo Tracking, Document Hash Verification, Multi-party Authorization, And Automated Regulatory Compliance Enforcement. A Fully Functional Decentralized Application (DApp) Built On React.js For The Frontend And Node.js For The Backend Interfaces With The Ethereum Network Via Web3.js And MetaMask To Deliver Real-time Container Visibility And Tamper-proof Digital Audit Trails. Off-chain Bulk Data Is Stored Using The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) To Avoid Blockchain Bloat While Preserving Cryptographic Integrity. The System Significantly Reduces Document Processing Time By Up To 84.6%, Eliminates Document Fraud, Enhances Inter-stakeholder Trust, And Lowers Overall Operational Costs. Performance Evaluations Conducted On The Ethereum Sepoliatestnet Using Simulations Of 500 Container Shipments Demonstrate High Transaction Throughput, Sub-30-second Confirmation Latency For Clearance Operations, And Robust Resistance To Common Smart Contract Attack Vectors. The Results Confirm That The Proposed Framework Is Technically Viable And Economically Competitive For Real-world Deployment In Modern Maritime Logistics Infrastructure.

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