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Alternative Marine Fuel Research Advances and Future Trends: A Bibliometric Knowledge Mapping Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Alam Md Moshiul

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia)

  • Roslina Mohammad

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia)

  • Fariha Anjum Hira

    (Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia)

  • Nurazean Maarop

    (Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 54100, Malaysia)

Abstract

While the marine sector contributes significantly to the global economy, its environmental impact is a cause for apprehension due to growing concerns about ship emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set decarbonization strategies consistent with sustainable development goals. The impending legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from maritime shipping by at least half by 2050 and to zero by the end of the century. A growing body of research has focused on alternative marine fuel selection; hence, this bibliometric review is timely. We assess the global scientific research on alternative marine fuel for knowledge mapping based on the articles available on the Scopus database since 1973. A total of 749 publications associated with alternative marine fuel has been subjected to a range of bibliometric analyses to explore this research field quantitatively and qualitatively. The study utilized the R-studio bibliometrics package and VOSviewer bibliometric tools to generate the results. The field of study has a growth rate of 7.05%, having a significant contribution to knowledge from the USA, the United Kingdom, India, and China. Recent trends indicate that researchers are increasingly focused on alternative fuel oil choices. By analyzing commonly used keywords, it was possible to trace a multi-criteria decision analysis process that might be utilized to construct decision support systems for alternative maritime fuel selection. According to relevant articles, the research community has concentrated on the possibility of alternative fuels being utilized in place of traditional marine fuels to reduce emissions from the shipping sector from an environmental, technological, and economic standpoint. The current study offers an updated and comprehensive overview of research trends on alternative marine fuels. Researchers interested in data mapping work in this area can begin with this endeavor.

Suggested Citation

  • Alam Md Moshiul & Roslina Mohammad & Fariha Anjum Hira & Nurazean Maarop, 2022. "Alternative Marine Fuel Research Advances and Future Trends: A Bibliometric Knowledge Mapping Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-27, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:4947-:d:798130
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Minghan Sun & Yiwei Jia & Jian Wei & Jewel X. Zhu, 2023. "Exploring the Green-Oriented Transition Process of Ship Power Systems: A Patent-Based Overview on Innovation Trends and Patterns," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Pan Zhang & Yongjun Du & Sijie Han & Qingan Qiu, 2022. "Global Progress in Oil and Gas Well Research Using Bibliometric Analysis Based on VOSviewer and CiteSpace," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-27, July.
    3. Yiwei Wu & Hongyu Zhang & Fei Li & Shuaian Wang & Lu Zhen, 2023. "Optimal Selection of Multi-Fuel Engines for Ships Considering Fuel Price Uncertainty," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-14, August.
    4. Janmanuel Jaramillo & Joaquín Gutiérrez & Yunesky Masip Macia, 2025. "Comparative Analysis of Carbon Intensity Indicators Applicable to Harbor Tugboats," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-20, February.
    5. Crismeire Isbaex & Francisco dos Reis Fernandes Costa & Teresa Batista, 2025. "Application of GIS in the Maritime-Port Sector: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-36, April.
    6. Alam Md Moshiul & Roslina Mohammad & Fariha Anjum Hira, 2023. "Alternative Fuel Selection Framework toward Decarbonizing Maritime Deep-Sea Shipping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-37, March.

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