Bibliometric review of ballast water management within the framework of the circular economy

The implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) has prompted a rapid growth in global research on ballast water management. However, the relationship between ballast water management and circular economy (CE) principles, as well as its implications for maritime sustainability, has not yet been systematically mapped. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric review aimed at identifying research trends, thematic structures, and patterns of scientific collaboration in ballast water management studies relevant to sustainability and the transition toward a circular economy. A total of 3,380 documents were retrieved from the Scopus database using the keyword “ballast water.” Following screening based on PRISMA guidelines, 1,027 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2024 were selected for analysis. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer software. The results indicate a substantial increase in publication output following the enforcement of the BWMC, with a peak in 2023 comprising 117 articles. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified five major thematic clusters: invasive species and ecological risks; ballast water treatment technologies; environmental monitoring; microbiological aspects; and governance and policy. China and the United States emerged as the leading countries in scientific output, while Dalian Maritime University and Shanghai Ocean University demonstrated the highest institutional impact. The global collaboration network was structured around key authors, including Bailey, Gollasch, David, and Ruiz. Although existing research predominantly focuses on technological and ecological dimensions, limited attention has been given to life-cycle impacts, resource efficiency, and circular economy-based approaches. Overall, this study highlights bibliometric analysis as a valuable tool for informing sustainable maritime policies and advancing ballast water management within circular economy frameworks.