Category: Business

Blockchain Technology and Business Logistics: A 2021 Insight into Efficiency, Security, and Growth

Originally published in 2021
The applications of blockchain technology in logistics and business operations were just emerging in 2021. Here’s how it started — and why it’s still relevant today.

How is blockchain technology making businesses more efficient, competitive, and secure? In this article, we explore how it transforms inventory tracking, payment processing, and the global supply chain — the backbone of modern commerce.

Blockchain in your business
Blockchain technology is fast becoming a driver in business operations

Adapting to Evolve

To survive and thrive, companies must adapt to evolving market demands and adopt innovative technologies. Blockchain is one such solution — offering the potential to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and solve persistent issues in logistics, administration, and security.

What is Blockchain Technology?

Often referred to as a “disruptive force,” blockchain technology is a decentralized, distributed digital ledger powered by cryptography. Operated by a global peer-to-peer network, it enables data to be recorded in secure, immutable blocks connected in a chronological chain.

This structure means that tampering with one block would require altering the entire chain — a near-impossible feat — thereby making blockchain one of the most secure and trustworthy data technologies available.

Why Blockchain Matters in Business Logistics

Today’s supply chains span multiple jurisdictions, involving a complex web of vendors, transport hubs, and financial transactions. Blockchain can help modernize this ecosystem by:

  • Improving traceability and transparency
  • Reducing fraud and administrative errors
  • Speeding up transactions and reducing costs
  • Creating trust in multi-party systems

Let’s explore how it works in real-world business logistics.

1. Settling Payments

Companies often experience long delays — averaging 42 days — to receive invoice payments. Paper-based documentation and human error further inflate administrative costs.

Blockchain-powered platforms enable businesses to settle payments through Smart Contracts, which self-execute once pre-defined conditions are met. These digital agreements eliminate the need for intermediaries, reduce delays, and cut down administrative overheads.

2. Inventory Tracking

Inventory management is critical to a company’s efficiency and profitability. Blockchain enables granular visibility over supply chains — allowing businesses to track individual items from origin to destination with improved precision and minimal error.

In the event of a product defect or recall, affected batches can be swiftly identified without disrupting the entire inventory.

3. Security

In a digital-first world, security threats like ransomware, theft, and fraud are real concerns. Blockchain offers superior security through:

  • Decentralized data storage
  • Advanced encryption
  • Smart contract automation

These tools help businesses protect sensitive data and reduce exposure to third-party risk.

4. Reliability & Transparency

One of the most valuable aspects of blockchain is that it reduces reliance on intermediaries. With immutable ledgers and transparent transactions, disputes can be resolved without external audits, and trust is built between stakeholders.

Blockchain is increasingly important in logistics

Is Blockchain Right for Every Business?

While blockchain offers significant benefits, its adoption comes with challenges:

  • Complex integration with legacy systems
  • Risk of data loss if encryption keys are misplaced
  • Inflexibility due to immutable records

Still, for companies seeking long-term gains in efficiency, security, and transparency, blockchain is proving to be a worthwhile investment.

Looking Ahead

From inventory tracking and payment automation to reducing friction in the global supply chain, blockchain continues to redefine how businesses operate. As adoption grows, companies that implement blockchain solutions are likely to enjoy a competitive edge in terms of speed, reliability, and trust.

This article was written after I had attended a conference of the European Maritime Lawyers’ Organisation.

Contact us if you have queries regarding setting up your business. We can also help you to access the right networks to work with blockchain technology.

Industry Insight: Redomiciliation of Companies to Malta – A Seamless Transition with Asteria Advisory

Asteria offers a broad range of services for businesses, be it re-domiciliation or management services. This helps to ensure that Malta continues to attract international companies seeking a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction within the EU. Whether you’re relocating for strategic, regulatory, or operational reasons, the redomiciliation of companies to Malta offers a practical solution without the disruption of winding down and starting anew.

What Is Redomiciliation?

Redomiciliation is the process by which a company changes its jurisdiction of incorporation while maintaining its legal identity. In Malta, this is governed by the Continuation of Companies Regulations, which allow foreign-registered entities to continue operating locally without dissolving and re-incorporating.

This process ensures that companies can retain their existing structure, assets, and contractual obligations—minimising business disruption while benefiting from Malta’s competitive corporate framework and robust legal system.

Why Choose Malta for Corporate Redomiciliation?

Malta offers an attractive proposition for businesses across multiple sectors. Its EU membership, strategic location, strong financial and regulatory infrastructure, and competitive tax environment make it a prime choice for redomiciliation.

Whether you’re a commercial enterprise, holding company, or consultancy firm, relocating to Malta can offer significant long-term advantages.

Asteria Advisory: Your Partner for Seamless Relocation

At Asteria Advisory, we provide expert legal services and consultancy to companies seeking redomiciliation to Malta. Our legal advice is tailored to each client’s business needs, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and a smooth transition throughout the process.

Working in close collaboration with a trusted network of professionals, we support our clients from the initial planning stage to final registration—handling all documentation, communication with the relevant authorities, and post-registration formalities.

Our Services Include:

  • Legal advice on eligibility and suitability for redomiciliation
  • Preparation and review of statutory documentation
  • Liaison with regulatory authorities
  • Company registration and compliance support
  • Ongoing corporate and commercial legal consultancy

Ready to Redomicile? Let’s Talk.

If your company is considering a move to Malta, Asteria Advisory can help make the process efficient, compliant, and hassle-free.

📩 Contact Asteria Advisory today to learn more about our redomiciliation services and how we can support your corporate journey in Malta.

We attended our first WIAM event for 2025!

The Women in Aviation Malta (WIAM) is a team of experienced aviation ladies operating in the Maltese aviation industry . The organisation was founded by Ms Ruth Sawers.

Every month, members gather at an event where they network, exchange ideas and of course, socialise. On Friday 21st March, we attended our first WIAM event for 2025, hosted by Boston Link. The theme focussed very much on career development in the aviation industry. Rozina from the Garage gave an insightful presentation and involved participants in some thought-proviking tasks. Yuliia from Link Talent also shard some top tips for career seekers and employees alike.

Dr Geraldine Spiteri discusses some ideas on career development in aviation

Attendees explored the pre-conceptions that might affect career choices or progress. The meeting also explored breaking barriers to reach new career heights.

The aviation industry has long been male-dominated, but recent initiatives are driving greater female participation, particularly in business aviation. Breaking these long-standing perceptions is essential for fostering growth and creating a more inclusive workforce.

Organizations like WIAM are leading the way, providing career insights and advocating for equal opportunities for women in aviation to thrive and advance in their careers.

Expert Legal Solutions for Aircraft Owners and Business Aviation

Navigating the complexities of business aviation requires expert legal support. This is especially true for aircraft owners managing business jets and private jets.

Asteria Advisory specializes in aircraft registration, asset management, and regulatory compliance. We aim to ensure a seamless experience for our clients.

With expertise in luxury assets, we provide tailored legal solutions designed for clients seeking to protect and optimize their investment.

For more information, contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

The Women-In-Maritime Initiative

A few years ago, I gave a speech in an IMO International Maritime Institute (IMLI) discussion on women in the maritime industry. The IMLI Board of Studies had given me a scholarship to read my masters in 2006 (completion in 2007) so this seemed a good opportunity to give something back.

Today, I attended a similar-themed breakfast, She Leads the Seas. MaritimeMT, in Malta, organised this event as part of the MARMED project.

This get-together focused on the opportunities for women in the shipping industry.

MARMED

The MARMED project is a part of ERASMUS+. It aims to bridge the gap between the existing needs and the current skillset of Maritime Clusters Managers.

MARMED aims to look at upskilling of members of the industry. Other aims include:

  • Outlining an innovative professional profile for increased competitiveness of Maritime Clusters in the Mediterranean area; and
  • Overall, boosting innovation and sustainable growth in the Blue Economy sector.

THE EVENT

This in-person seminar included:

  • an outline of the project,
  • a discussion on the role of women in the maritime industry; and
  • a good overview of available opportunities.

Women are still widely under-represented in the maritime industry. Only 22% of the industry workers are female. There are many actions that the industry can take to change this balance.

The audience included IMLI students, various professionals and lecturers from the industry and officials from the Flag, Transport Malta.

Participants of the meeting also touched upon Women in Transport – EU Platform for change. The objective of this Platform, launched on 27 November 2017, is to strengthen women’s employment and equal opportunities for women and men in the transport sector through the actions brought about by the Platform members. It will also serve as a forum to discuss and exchange good practices.

REMEMBERING – INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR WOMEN IN SHIPPING

The IMO Resolution A.1170(32) of 09 December 2021, established the 18th May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime.

OHSA – A New Law on Safety & Security at the Workplace

The Occupational Health & Safety Authority (OHSA) has recently issued a leaflet to outline the basic tenets of the new law. In case you missed it or are not in Malta, here are the key points.

Every worker counts and every worker can contribute to the safety and security of the place they work in. The main objectives of the new law are the following:

  1. Protecting mental and physical health of workers across all sectors
  2. Implementing stronger measures and mechanisms
  3. Fostering a prevention culture among workers and employers alike

Key responsibilities:

  1. Responsibilities of the OHSA
    • Allocating more resources to operate effectively
    • Enhancing skills and competences of its own workforce
    • Introducing new legal measures for rapid intervention in high-risk situations
    • Modernising operational procedures for more effective oversight
    • Health & Safety Responsible Officer – when neccessary to receive reports and investigate, ensuring access for workers to continuous support at the workplace
    • Conducting life consultations nationwide to ensure sectoral improvements.
  2. Employer Liability
    • Risk and hazard identification
    • Assesment of impact of risks on workers’ health
    • Implementing necessary mesures to elimitate or control risks to workers’ health
    • Provide appropriate training and information to workers, based on their role
    • Ensuring competent supervision
  3. Employees’ Responsibilities
    • Cooperate with employer & team
    • Proper use of equipment supplied
    • Reporting of hazards
    • Engaging in continuous training
    • Adopting correct behaviour that does not endanger the team and themselves.

The OHSA offers a helpline – 158 – for more information or any difficulties.

If you are an employer seeking to draft your policies and procedures from this perspective and require assistance, contact us for a consultation. We can provide assistance with preparing your handbooks, policies and procedures, or provide a review based on the size of your operation and workforce.