Maritime decarbonization: a systematic literature review and directions for future research

This study employs an integrated analytical framework to examine maritime decarbonization research. We synthesize literature across three dimensions: policy drivers and strategic targets, technological and operational pathways, and systemic environmental integration. A bibliometric analysis of 1,275 peer-reviewed publications (2014–2024) reveals exponential growth in output, with annual publications surpassing 100 after 2019. While China leads in publication volume and overall network centrality, countries/regions such as Portugal, Taiwan, and the Netherlands exhibit the highest betweenness centrality. Keyword clustering and co-citation analysis has revealed three core intellectual structures: maritime spatial planning, carbon taxes, and life cycle assessments. Based on trend gaps and thematic convergence, we propose these critical future priorities: digital governance frameworks, hydrogen bunkering safety protocols, and carbon accounting harmonization. These pathways may offer potential routes toward supporting the IMO’s 2050 net-zero targets by fostering innovation across policy, technology, and cross-sectoral integration.