Mapping the Seas of Knowledge: Bibliometric Trends in Shipping Emissions Research

The global significance of the maritime industry infacilitating over 90% of international trade via ocean vessels underscores itspivotal role in transportation. Recognized for its operational efficiency,maritime transport confronts an anticipated 150-250% surge in emissions between2012 and 2050, primarily attributed to the expansion of the transportation sector.Numerous scholarly publications addressing the measurement of emissions inmaritime transport and their ramifications on air quality have surfaced since1977. Significantly, emissions within the logistics sector have attractedattention from key stakeholders, including policymakers, governments, researchinstitutions, and international organizations, fostering substantial growth inscholarly comprehension. This study employs bibliometric analysis to assess theresearch productivity and impact of articles on shipping emissions,encompassing the period from 2011 to December 2023. Utilizing the Web ofScience (WoS) database and visualization tools such as VOSviewer 1.6.20 andTableau Public 2023, the research provides insights into innovative methodologiesand investigative domains within the field. The findings of the study furnishvaluable guidance for researchers, facilitating more effective research throughinsights into journal selection, influential contributors, researchtrajectories, countries of emphasis, and significant keywords. Additionally,the paper advocates for further research, proposing an exploration of moreextended temporal data pertaining to shipping emissions mitigation strategiesand a comparative analysis of top-down and bottom-up emission approaches.