IoV and Blockchain for Traffic Optimization in Ro-Ro Terminals: A Case Study in the Spanish Port System

Nicoletta González-Cancelas, Javier Vaca-Cabrero () and Alberto Camarero-Orive
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Nicoletta González-Cancelas: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Javier Vaca-Cabrero: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Alberto Camarero-Orive: Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: This study examines the integration of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and blockchain as tools to optimize traffic management in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminals within the Spanish port system. Faced with increasing operational complexity, these technologies present innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce waiting times, and ensure transparency in data management. The methodology follows five main phases: analysis of the current scenario, establishment of a baseline, calculations to evaluate key outcomes, analysis of blockchain implementation, and discussion of results. Key variables include waiting times, vehicular flow, CO 2 emissions, and operational costs, comparing manual and automated scenarios. The findings reveal that the combined use of IoV and blockchain can increase vehicular flow by up to 70%, reduce waiting times by 2.56 min, and decrease CO 2 emissions by 57.74 kg per hour. Additionally, automation significantly reduces operational costs, yielding average savings of over EUR 500 per hour. This study concludes that adopting these technologies transforms port operations by fostering sustainability, efficiency, and safety. However, challenges remain, including high initial implementation costs and system interoperability issues. This work underscores the need for strategic approaches to overcome these barriers and positions Spanish ports as potential leaders in logistics innovation, aligning with global demands for sustainable, efficient, and transparent port operations.

Keywords: Internet of Vehicles (IoV); blockchain; Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminals; traffic optimization; smart port operation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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