Blockchain, the silent revolution that transforms logistics

Blockchain, originally conceived as the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies, has positioned itself as one of the most disruptive innovations of the 21st century, extending its application to sectors as diverse as logistics.

In an interconnected and dynamic world, logistics has become a crucial component of global trade. However, the sector faces challenges such as opacity in supply chains, fraud, high operating costs and the growing demand for sustainability. In this context, blockchain has emerged as a solution capable of radically transforming logistics operations, offering transparency, traceability and security.

Spain, with its strategic position as a bridge between Europe, Africa and Latin America, and a logistics sector that represents 8% of its GDP, is taking advantage of this technology to solve critical problems and gain competitiveness.

Blockchain in logistics: Evolution and chronology
1. First Stage: Theory and experimentation (2008–2014)

In its early years, blockchain was limited to the financial sector. However, researchers and companies began to identify its potential to solve traceability and trust issues in supply chains. IBM and other large companies explored initial concepts for integrating blockchain into logistics.

2. Second stage: Pilot projects and validation (2015–2018)

This period marked the beginning of pilot projects in logistics. Companies such as Maersk and IBM launched platforms such as TradeLens, which used blockchain to digitize maritime processes. The results demonstrated an 80% reduction in administrative times and a significant decrease in operating costs.

In Spain, Carrefour implemented blockchain in its supply chain to track food products, such as mangoes and chickens, reducing traceability times from days to seconds and improving consumer confidence.

3. Third stage: Widespread adoption (2019–2024)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of blockchain. The traceability of medical supplies and vaccines highlighted its importance in ensuring authenticity and optimal conditions. In Spain, ports such as Barcelona have begun to digitise logistics documents using blockchain, achieving a 30% reduction in administrative times.

In sectors such as the automotive industry, companies such as SEAT use blockchain to certify the ethical origin of critical materials, aligning with growing demands for sustainability.

Blockchain is redefining global logistics, offering innovative solutions to historical problems such as lack of transparency and operational inefficiency. In Spain, its adoption is transforming key sectors such as food, automotive and maritime logistics, aligning with global demands for sustainability and digitalization.

For businesses, blockchain is not just an emerging technology, but a strategic tool to ensure competitiveness and resilience in an ever-changing market. The question is no longer whether to implement blockchain, but how to make the most of its potential.