The study on the adoption of blockchain in ship chartering: an Asian perspective

Abstract

The maritime industry is one of the most globally interconnected yet traditionally conservative sectors, where operational procedures like ship chartering have long relied on manual documentation, interpersonal networks, and legacy systems. In recent years, blockchain technology has emerged as a promising digital innovation capable of transforming this domain by introducing secure, transparent, and tamper-proof systems for managing contracts, cargo tracking, and stakeholder communication. However, despite its growing relevance in port operations and containerized shipping, blockchain adoption in ship chartering, particularly across Asia, remains limited and poorly understood. This study addresses that gap by examining the behavioural intention to adopt blockchain among chartering professionals, focusing on the unique market dynamics and cultural considerations of the Asian maritime sector.