Blockchain applications in shipping, transportation, logistics, and supply chain

Abstract

Blockchain, as a new technology, has aroused wide attention from industry and academia in recent years. There are a huge number of articles and news reports about blockchain applications in shipping, transportation, logistics, and supply chain. This short tutorial aims to clarify (i) the key characteristics of blockchain that enable its use in shipping, transportation, logistics, and supply chain and (ii) how these key characteristics are applied. The key characteristics are decentralization, open data, and authenticity of data. The applications include smart contract, fast payment, information sharing, track and trace, and supply chain finance. We hope this tutorial can provide introductory knowledge to practitioners in shipping, transportation, logistics, and supply chain people who are not familiar with blockchain.