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

Gizem Kodak

doi:10.33714/masteb.1957868

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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation (Other), Marine Transportation

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Gizem Kodak ^*
0000-0002-1845-7901
Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

May 23, 2026

Acceptance Date

September 16, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1957868

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA98HM52PW

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kodak, G. (2026). Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, 15(3), 322-342. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1957868

AMA

1.Kodak G. Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026;15(3):322-342. doi:10.33714/masteb.1957868

Chicago

Kodak, Gizem. 2026. “Integrating Operational Emission Management into SMS: A Bibliometric and Conceptual Perspective on the ISM Code”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin 15 (3): 322-42. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1957868.

EndNote

Kodak G (September 1, 2026) Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin 15 3 322–342.

IEEE

[1]G. Kodak, “Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code”, Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull., vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 322–342, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.33714/masteb.1957868.

ISNAD

Kodak, Gizem. “Integrating Operational Emission Management into SMS: A Bibliometric and Conceptual Perspective on the ISM Code”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin 15/3 (September 1, 2026): 322-342. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1957868.

JAMA

1.Kodak G. Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026;15:322–342.

MLA

Kodak, Gizem. “Integrating Operational Emission Management into SMS: A Bibliometric and Conceptual Perspective on the ISM Code”. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, vol. 15, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 322-4, doi:10.33714/masteb.1957868.

Vancouver

1.Gizem Kodak. Integrating operational emission management into SMS: A bibliometric and conceptual perspective on the ISM Code. Mar. Sci. Tech. Bull. 2026 Sep. 1;15(3):322-4. doi:10.33714/masteb.1957868