Review on Sustainable Development Goals in maritime transportation: current research trends, applications, and future research opportunities

Abstract

United Nations (UN) introduced Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create comprehensive agenda for achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the world. In 2015, the UN released 17 SDGs specifying 169 targets to achieve this important aim. It is vital to adapt these goals to provide a livable environment for the next generations. One of the most important stakeholders in contributing to global sustainability is the maritime industry. This article aimed to connect each of the reviewed papers to the SDGs while also presenting a comprehensive view of SDGs in maritime transportation. Therefore, this paper has novelty to reveal the gaps related to the goals achievement of sustainable development. This study, it was conducted a comprehensive literature review of 67 peer-reviewed studies in the Scopus database regarding the achievement of SDGs in maritime transportation. With this direction, four separate clusters were created by utilizing the VOSviewer software program with a bibliographic coupling method. From this point of view, it was identified scholars' most recent intentions, applications, and suggestions in the existing literature. Finally, gaps in the current literature revealed, potential theoretical and practical implications suggested, and recommendations to researchers for further studies were given to make contributions for achieving SDGs.