Can the Blockchain Facilitate the Development of an Interport Community?

Seaports are part of a complex and information-intensive maritime supply chain that includes a set of organizations and operators who need to exchange a large amount of information and data with each other. As supply chains become increasingly integrated and connected, the connectivity of stakeholders must be ensured not only within individual ports but also between ports. This paper explores the application prospects and practical implications of the application of Blockchain technology for the establishment of an interport community within which different ports organized as a network can exchange information and data in a secure and effective way. With the support of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, this paper addresses several research questions concerning the practical impacts, benefits, pros and cons, economic and technical barriers related to the implementation of Blockchain technology to support the creation of an interport community.