Applying Scientometric Methods to Evaluate Global Research Trends in Maritime Engineering

Abstract

Maritime engineering enables world trade, naval defense, offshore energy generation, and environmental stewardship. The field has recently undergone tremendous change prompted by technological advances and evolving policy agendas. In this analysis, scientometric approaches are used to examine rigorously global maritime engineering research patterns of the last two decades. Drawing on data extracted from the Scopus database, we analyzed publication output, citation trends, country and institution contributions, authorship networks, and theme developments. Software packages like VOS viewer and Bibliometrix were used to visualize co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and co-citation networks. The results indicate a consistent increase in academic output, with significant contributions from China, the United States, and Europe. Central research themes are ship optimization design, offshore construction, marine renewable energy, and maritime security. Future directions indicate autonomous shipping, green shipping, and digitalization.