Blockchain and 6G-Based Supply Chain Management Framework for Oil and Gas Shipment

Abstract

Keeping track of the oil and gas supply chain is challenging task as the route and transportation requires sophisticated security environment - both physical systems’ and IT systems’ security. Thanks to the recent advancement in IoT, specialized sensors can keep track of the required supply chain environment. With the help of blockchain, the supply chain data can be immutably saved for further sharing with stakeholders. Due to the introduction of AI as an embedded element within 6G networks, the end-to-end supply chain process can now be automated for safety, security, and efficiency purposes. By leveraging 6G, AI, blockchain, and IoT, the supply chain data during the transportation or at rest can be monitored for any changed environment during the movement of the ship through national or international routes. In this paper, we study the requirements of such intelligent and secure supply chain management system conducive to the oil and gas industry. We also show our proof-of-concept implementation and initial test results. Our obtained results show promising prospect of the current system to be deployed to safeguard the oil and gas supply chain.