Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code

The maritime industry is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by stringent decarbonization regulations, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). Despite the proliferation of technical solutions, a conceptual divide persists between emission compliance and the established safety management culture governed by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This study employs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to examine the intellectual structure and evolution of the maritime decarbonization literature. Using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided selection process, 88 core publications from the Web of Science database were analyzed using R Bibliometrix. Results from the Gompertz growth model suggest a trend toward technical saturation in the literature, pointing to a potential shift toward operational management. Furthermore, factorial and Sankey analyses reveal a significant disconnect between emissions management and Safety Management Systems (SMS), with “human factors” and “safety culture” remaining marginalized as “niche” themes. The findings suggest that decarbonization is currently treated as an external “administrative reporting burden” rather than an organic operational routine. To bridge this gap, this study conceptualizes the pathways for integrating operational emission management into SMS from an ISM Code perspective. Rather than proposing isolated technical data fixes or validated operational software, the study illustrates how fuel inefficiencies can be conceptually evaluated within the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. This research provides a baseline for policymakers and ship management companies seeking to align environmental performance monitoring with shipboard safety routines.