Blockchain-enabled carbon transparency for Malaysia port-based logistics

Global pressure to decarbonize maritime transport has intensified following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which requires enhanced emissions transparency, reporting accuracy, and accountability across port-based logistics systems. However, many ports, particularly in developing maritime economies such as Malaysia, continue to rely on fragmented and non-standardized carbon reporting mechanisms, limiting their ability to support credible emissions measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). In response, this study explores the potential role of blockchain technology as an enabling mechanism for carbon transparency within Malaysian maritime ports. Using a qualitative research design, semi structured expert interviews were conducted with five key stakeholders representing port authorities, regulatory bodies, maritime logistics operators, and digital technology specialists. The interview data were analysed thematically using NVivo 15 to identify recurring patterns related to carbon reporting challenges, blockchain capabilities, governance readiness, and implementation pathways. The findings reveal strong consensus that current carbon reporting practices lack trust, interoperability, and verification robustness, while blockchain is perceived as a complementary digital layer capable of enhancing data integrity, traceability, and multi-stakeholder trust rather than replacing existing systems. The study further highlights uneven digital readiness across ports, the critical role of government and port authority leadership, and the necessity of phased, pilot based implementation strategies. By contextualizing blockchain-enabled carbon transparency within Malaysia’s port governance landscape, this research contributes practical and policy relevant insights for aligning national maritime decarbonization efforts with international climate commitments