Abstract

Shipping companies have played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. However, they face challenges in terms of data visibility and transparency within the complex shipping network. This paper conducts a systemic review of the challenges including real-time visibility issues, fragmented data, limited information sharing, complex regulations, cybersecurity risks, lack of standardized processes and technologies, and trust issues. This paper also details the explored solutions to resolve the challenges and details the trending technologies evaluated for adoption. This paper uses the PRISMA technique to explore the challenges and blockchain adoption in the supply chain industry. Qualitative content analysis is performed on the collected articles. The paper extensively discusses the integration of blockchain technology into current research solutions, encompassing conceptual models and real-life case studies. Furthermore, these articles provide insight into the inherent constraints of existing frameworks and assist in pinpointing areas that can be addressed through the implementation of the new blockchain framework which seems to be missing from the existing literature. This paper will be a valuable input for future researchers in summarizing the existing technologies and implementations. Research gaps identified in the existing market will be helpful for future research to resolve the industry challenges.