Maritime decarbonization of shipping and ports: A system-oriented review of coordination, sequencing, and transition pathways

Abstract

Decarbonization of global shipping and maritime ports has become a strategic priority for achieving international climate targets. Although research has expanded rapidly, existing reviews predominantly examine technological, operational, or policy dimensions separately, providing limited understanding of how interactions among vessels, ports, fuel infrastructure, and governance shape decarbonization pathways. This review addresses this limitation by introducing a system-level perspective that reconceptualizes maritime decarbonization as a coordination and sequencing challenge rather than a collection of independent technological solutions. An integrated review framework combining bibliometric science mapping with a PRISMA-based systematic review was adopted to analyze Scopus-indexed publications published between 2021 and early 2026. The bibliometric analysis examined 249 publications, while 62 studies meeting the PRISMA eligibility criteria were subjected to detailed qualitative synthesis. The study aims to identify the intellectual structure, emerging research themes, and cross-sector alignment challenges shaping maritime decarbonization pathways across vessels, ports, fuel infrastructure, and governance. Bibliometric analysis mapped the intellectual structure, thematic evolution, and collaborative landscape of the field, while qualitative synthesis examined empirical evidence related to alternative fuels, port decarbonization measures, and governance mechanisms. The findings reveal sustained growth in maritime decarbonization research, accompanied by persistent mismatches between vessel technology development, port infrastructure readiness, fuel supply systems, and regulatory implementation. The analysis further demonstrates that technological progress alone is insufficient to achieve effective maritime decarbonization unless these interconnected systems evolve in a coordinated manner. These persistent disconnects continue to constrain effective transition pathways despite significant advances in decarbonization technologies and policy initiatives. The proposed system-level analytical framework provides an evidence-based foundation for integrated policy development, infrastructure planning, and future research, supporting more coordinated and implementable maritime decarbonization strategies. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cite this article: APA Style:Zakaria, A., Arof, A. M., & Banomyong, R. (2027). Maritime decarbonization of shipping and ports: A system-oriented review of coordination, sequencing, and transition pathways. Maritime Technology and Research, 9(1), 289792. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2027.289792   MDPI Style:Zakaria, A.; Arof, A. M.; Banomyong, R. Maritime decarbonization of shipping and ports: A system-oriented review of coordination, sequencing, and transition pathways. Marit. Technol. Res. 2027, 9, 289792. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2027.289792   Vancouver Style:Zakaria A, Arof AM, Banomyong R. (2027). Maritime decarbonization of shipping and ports: A system-oriented review of coordination, sequencing, and transition pathways. Marit. Technol. Res. 9(1):289792. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2027.289792 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Highlights Introduces a system-oriented analytical framework integrating bibliometric science mapping with a PRISMA-based systematic review. Reveals that successful maritime decarbonization depends on coordinated evolution of vessel technologies, port infrastructure, fuel systems, and governance. Identifies implementation bottlenecks, sequencing challenges, and cross-sector interactions shaping maritime decarbonization pathways. Bridges quantitative bibliometric evidence with qualitative synthesis to provide a comprehensive understanding of maritime transition dynamics. Offers practical guidance for aligning policy, infrastructure investment, and operational planning to accelerate maritime decarbonization.