Decarbonization in Maritime Technology A Scoping Review of Alternative Fuels, Energy Systems, and Policy Pathways Toward Net-Zero Shipping

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Published: May 8, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56741/bst.v5i02.2188
Keywords:
Alternative Marine Fuels, Green Shipping Technology, Hydrogen and Ammonia Fuels, Maritime Policy and Regulation, Net-Zero Shipping, Sustainable Ocean Engineering

Main Article Content

Ayuba John Buba
College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ganye
Isaac John Ibanga
Modibbo Adama University
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8285-6109

Abstract

The decarbonization of the maritime sector represents a complex socio-technical transition rather than a purely technological shift, requiring the alignment of fuels, energy systems, and regulatory frameworks. Despite rapid innovation, the field remains fragmented, with competing technological pathways and limited integration across system levels. Guided by the targets of the International Maritime Organization, this study conducts a scoping review of literature published between 2020 and 2025 to critically examine how decarbonization strategies are conceptualized, developed, and operationalized. Using the PRISMA-ScR approach, this review synthesizes evidence across four interrelated domains: alternative fuels, energy efficiency technologies, electrification and hybrid systems, and digital optimization. Rather than identifying a dominant solution, the analysis reveals a persistent trade-off between technological maturity, scalability, and environmental impact. The findings highlight a systemic misalignment between technological innovation and supporting infrastructure, as well as a lack of integrated frameworks that connect engineering solutions with policy mechanisms. This review advances the literature by proposing an integrative perspective that reframes maritime decarbonization as a multi-layered transition problem, emphasizing cross-domain interoperability and policy-technology co-evolution. It identifies critical research gaps in hybrid energy systems, infrastructure readiness, and techno-economic scalability, and outlines a future research agenda centered on system integration and global implementation pathways toward net-zero shipping.

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How to Cite
Buba, A. J., & Ibanga, I. J. (2026). Decarbonization in Maritime Technology: A Scoping Review of Alternative Fuels, Energy Systems, and Policy Pathways Toward Net-Zero Shipping. Bincang Sains Dan Teknologi, 5(02), 56–68. https://doi.org/10.56741/bst.v5i02.2188
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Vol. 5 No. 02 (2026): Bincang Sains dan Teknologi
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biographies

Ayuba John Buba, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ganye

is a Nigerian academic serving as a lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology at the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Ganye, Adamawa State, Nigeria. In this role, he trains students in laboratory-based sciences, equipping them with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for scientific analysis, experimentation, and research. As a lecturer, he teaches courses on laboratory techniques, instrumentation, safety practices, and scientific investigations. He is also involved in supervising students’ academic projects and supporting the development of competencies necessary for careers in science, technology, and allied fields (email: johnbuba5580@gmail.com).  

Isaac John Ibanga, Modibbo Adama University

is an erudite scholar, dedicated researcher, and esteemed lecturer within the Sandwich Degree Programme of the Faculty of Education at the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, located in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. With a specialized focus on electrical technology education, Dr. Ibanga has made significant contributions to the field through both his teaching and research efforts. He holds advanced degrees in electrical technology and education, which have equipped him with a unique blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. His academic journey and professional experiences have been marked by a commitment to advancing educational methodologies and improving technological applications in education. (email: isaacjohn@mau.edu.ng).

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Received 2026-03-26
Accepted 2026-05-07
Published 2026-05-08

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