## 4 Results and Discussion
### Phase 1: Analysis of the current situation
In addition, electric AGVs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles, considerably reducing CO2 emissions per operation. The findings indicate that the implementation of IoV and blockchain in Ro-Ro terminals has led to measurable improvements in operational efficiency. Compared to manual systems, automated processes using these technologies resulted in reduced waiting times, increased vehicle flow, and lower operational costs. In terms of regulatory compliance, the IoV facilitates the automatic monitoring and recording of emissions, allowing terminals to more easily adhere to international regulations such as those established by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and the European Union. This level of automation also ensures transparency in the information reported. From an operational perspective, blockchain-based smart contracts incentivize best practices, such as reducing emissions through automatic bonuses for operators who comply with emission limits. This fosters a culture of sustainability among stakeholders. Public perception also benefits. Terminals that lead in sustainability enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness as strategic partners in global trade, contributing not only to operational efficiency, but also to more resilient and environmentally friendly transport. The implementation of automated systems generates significant economic savings, exceeding EUR 500 per hour in many terminals. This includes reducing energy and labor costs. For managers, these savings represent a strong case for return on investment in automated technologies, particularly in contexts of high operational demand (Figures 11-13). These findings highlight the financial and operational benefits of automation in Ro-Ro terminals. Reduced waiting times directly contribute to improved vehicle throughput and lower operational costs, reinforcing the importance of digital transformation in port logistic  
**Phase 4. Conducting focus groups for blockchain implementation**  
The implementation of blockchain technology in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminals presents unique challenges due to the limited prior experience of personnel and the lack of established cost benchmarks in this specific operational context. To address these gaps, a focus group methodology was employed to gather insights from industry experts, including port operators, technology providers, and logistics professionals. This approach was chosen as it facilitates in-depth discussions and the exchange of knowledge among stakeholders, allowing for the identification of key cost drivers, potential barriers, and implementation strategies specific to Ro-Ro terminals. As highlighted by [PERSON] and [PERSON], et al. (2018), stakeholder collaboration is critical for understanding the practical and financial implications of adopting advanced technologies in ports. By leveraging the expertise of diverse participants, the focus group provided a comprehensive and context-specific analysis, forming a solid foundation for estimating blockchain implementation costs in this unique operational setting. The cost of implementing blockchain technology varies significantly depending on the scope of the project, the existing infrastructure, and the specific needs of the Ro-Ro terminals (Figure 14). According to the focus group's determinations, the following values could be expected for a medium-sized terminal:  
* Integration with IoV and IoT: EUR 50,000
* Staff training: EUR 15,000
* Infrastructure upgrade: EUR 30,000
* Approximate total cost: EUR 195,000  
Compared to these costs, the benefits obtained will mainly represent a reduction in fraud and losses by improving the traceability of vehicles and data, reducing operational risks, as well as operational optimization, since blockchain combined with IoV and IoT can generate significant operational savings, compensating for the initial investment. Figure 13: Cost comparison of economic costs per hour. Source: own elaboration. Figure 14: Focus group: blockchain implementation. Source: own elaboration.