A Secure Blockchain-Assisted Framework for Real-Time Maritime Environmental Compliance Monitoring

TL;DR

This paper introduces a blockchain-based system integrating IoT sensors for real-time maritime environmental compliance, enhancing data integrity, transparency, and enforcement of regulations like MARPOL.

Contribution

It presents a novel blockchain-assisted framework that automates compliance verification and ensures secure, real-time environmental data monitoring in maritime operations.

Findings

Effective real-time compliance monitoring demonstrated in sulfur emissions case study.

High scalability and efficiency achieved using Polygon blockchain.

Enhanced data security and transparency for maritime environmental regulation enforcement.

Abstract

The maritime industry is governed by stringent environmental regulations, most notably the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Ensuring compliance with these regulations is difficult due to low inspection rates and the risk of data fabrication. To address these issues, this paper proposes a secure blockchain-assisted framework for real-time maritime environmental compliance monitoring. By integrating IoT and shipboard sensors with blockchain technology, the framework ensures immutable and transparent record-keeping of environmental data. Smart contracts automate compliance verification and notify relevant authorities in case of non-compliance. A proof-of-concept case study on sulfur emissions demonstrates the framework's efficacy in enhancing MARPOL enforcement through real-time data integrity and regulatory adherence. The proposed system leverages the Polygon blockchain for scalability and efficiency, providing a robust solution for maritime environmental protection. The evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed blockchain-enhanced compliance monitoring system effectively and securely ensures real-time regulatory adherence with high scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, leveraging the robust capabilities of the Polygon blockchain.