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Technological Innovations and Sustainable Practices in Fishing Vessels: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Danu Utama

    (Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
    Department of Naval Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia)

  • Sefer A. Gunbeyaz

    (Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK)

  • Osman Turan

    (Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK)

Abstract

The fisheries industry faces increasing sustainability challenges from environmental, economic, and social perspectives, which directly affect fishing vessels as its primary infrastructure. This study conducted a systematic literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines to evaluate technological innovations that improve the sustainability of fishing vessels. Comprehensive searches were performed in Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, covering the period 2020–2024. The searches identified 756 articles, of which 105 met the predefined eligibility criteria after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Each innovation was categorised and analysed based on its functional vessel domain, contribution to environmental, economic, and social sustainability, maturity level using the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) framework, and relevance to Circular Economy (CE) principles. The results indicate that most innovations focus on environmental sustainability, particularly on emission reduction and energy efficiency. Social sustainability remains under-addressed, especially in terms of labour conditions and gender equality. CE principles are present in some initiatives but are not yet fully integrated into vessel design or operation. Most innovations are at medium TRL stages, with adoption limited by financial, infrastructural, and institutional barriers, especially in small-scale fisheries. Future research should address these gaps by enhancing CE integration and promoting a more balanced attention across all three sustainability dimensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Danu Utama & Sefer A. Gunbeyaz & Osman Turan, 2025. "Technological Innovations and Sustainable Practices in Fishing Vessels: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-38, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8667-:d:1759173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Seung-Hyun Lee & Su-Hyung Kim & Kyung-Jin Ryu & Yoo-Won Lee, 2024. "Bayesian Network Analysis of Industrial Accident Risk for Fishers on Fishing Vessels Less Than 12 m in Length," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Su-Hyung Kim & Kyung-Jin Ryu & Seung-Hyun Lee & Kyoung-Hoon Lee & Seong-Hun Kim & Yoo-Won Lee, 2023. "Enhancing Sustainability through Analysis and Prevention: A Study of Fatal Accidents on Trap Boats within the Commercial Fishing Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Feng Ma & Haoran Bao & Anna Nikolaeva & Jun Xia & Zheng Guan, 2024. "Advancements in Marine Vessel Design: A Twenty-Four-Year Bibliometric Survey on Technological, Environmental, and Sustainable Progress," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-34, December.
    4. Hongxia Zhou & Fang Wang & Weili Hu & Manel Grifoll & Jiao Liu & Weijie Du & Pengjun Zheng, 2024. "A Novel Framework for Identifying Major Fishing Vessel Accidents and Their Key Influencing Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-19, September.
    5. Fang Wang & Weijie Du & Hongxiang Feng & Yun Ye & Manel Grifoll & Guiyun Liu & Pengjun Zheng, 2023. "Identification of Risk Influential Factors for Fishing Vessel Accidents Using Claims Data from Fishery Mutual Insurance Association," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-24, September.
    6. Dalian Wu & Jian Hua & Shun-Yao Chuang & Junseng Li, 2023. "Preventative Biofouling Monitoring Technique for Sustainable Shipping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, April.
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