Abstract
This doctoral dissertation adopts a Socio-Technical Systems (STS) perspective to investigate how human, organizational, and institutional factors converge in maritime safety and embrace disruptive technologies within seaport contexts. Examining these factors at multiple micro, meso, and macro levels offers a holistic view of the challenges and potential solutions shaping modern maritime supply chains.
At the Individual (micro) Level, analysis of 400 maritime incident reports from the China Port Area combines the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) with machine-learning models (XGBoost, Random Forest), using SMOTE to manage data imbalances. Findings indicate that decision errors and skill Errors are prevalent contributors to incidents. Although Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) assist navigation, they predominantly provide external support rather than altering underlying decision-making processes. This underscores the importance of integrating human-centered training and leadership engagement with advanced digital tools to anticipate and prevent incidents more effectively.
At the organizational (meso) Level, the investigation turns to blockchain technology as a potential solution to reduce persistent human errors and enhance port operational reliability. Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) methods, complemented by 18 expert interviews, reveal four core barriers to blockchain implementation: (1) lack of management support, (2) weak stakeholder collaboration, (3) external stakeholder resistance, and (4) high costs. These findings emphasize that organizational inertia, data-sharing uncertainties, and power shifts extend beyond technical considerations. Blockchain deployment must involve intra- and inter-organizational coordination, business process re-engineering, and supportive leadership for successful adoption. By linking the limitations of existing port systems to the potential of blockchain, this work offers a roadmap for ports to structure interventions, conduct incremental pilots, and nurture a culture receptive to digital transformation.
Institutional (macro) Level, multiple-case analysis of five ports integrates Institutional Theory (INT) with the Practice-Based View (PBV)/Supply Chain Practice View (SCPV) to explore how coercive and mimetic pressures shape common, imitable practices for blockchain adoption. Standardized protocols in the port sector remain limited, constraining normative pressures; however, future unified standards may provide more precise guidance for blockchain use. Ports that align blockchain initiatives with regulatory benchmarks, competitive standards, and collaborative partnerships see more significant gains in transparency and efficiency. Conversely, adopting blockchain superficially, without genuine process re-engineering, leads to minimal improvements in service quality or risk mitigation. This macro-level perspective highlights how institutional mandates and stakeholder alignment are critical for large-scale technology uptake in the highly regulated maritime environment.
The findings reveal that current port systems (VTS, AIS) alone cannot fully address the root causes of personnel errors, necessitating the exploration of emerging solutions such as blockchain. However, technology is insufficient; leadership commitment, adaptive governance, and collaborative processes remain vital. By connecting human-centric safety protocols, organizational change, and institutional frameworks, this dissertation provides actionable insights for policymakers, port authorities, and industry stakeholders aiming to strengthen safety, accelerate digitalization, and enhance supply chain visibility in maritime operations.