Servitization with blockchain in the maritime supply chain

Abstract

This study provides a game-theoretic analysis of the service strategy of a two-tier maritime supply chain. We explore a setting where a port provides blockchain service with different service levels. We extend the existing literature, which discusses the servitization with blockchain in the maritime supply chain. We demonstrate both the economic and environmental benefits that blockchain service increases the operational efficiency of the port by paperless. Moreover, the port can be realized the reduction on congestion through different supply chain capacities. In addition, we find the rational strategy, including the changes in cost structure, profitability with the time reduction, the value of blockchain service in the market segment, consumer surplus, and social welfare, and the relationship between blockchain service and congestion, respectively. Furthermore, this study embodies the potential contributions of three aspects. Specifically, we reveal the role of blockchain service in the operational time of port with information transformation from paper documents to e-documents. Moreover, we find that the governance strategy of servitization with blockchain service is based on economic benefit and environmental benefits. Finally, we provide a new method to solve port congestion in the maritime supply chain. Therefore, from the perspective of management insight, the port needs to improve the operational efficiency through the blockchain technology with paperless to help consumers to increase the service experience. In addition, the port should also be concerned about the role of blockchain service in the environmental protection and port congestion. In this case, the port can adjust the strategy in order to satisfy the requirements of every stakeholder.