Review of current regulations, available technologies, and future trends towards green shipbuilding industry

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive review of current regulations, technologies, and future trends that are shaping the development of green shipyards, with an emphasis on maritime decarbonisation and sustainability. Drawing on international regulatory frameworks, it analyses the environmental, operational, and economic drivers influencing transformations in shipbuilding practices. Technological innovations, sustainable materials, renewable energy systems, electrification, alternative fuels, digitalisation, and automation are critically evaluated in relation to their industrial adoption and maturity. Techno-environmental assessments and safety-oriented studies are also examined to identify strategies that mitigate operational risks and incident rates. A bibliometric analysis of more than 1000 publications (2010–2025) reveals that sustainability, optimisation, and pollution control are the dominant research domains, while emerging topics such as workforce transformation, renewable energy integration, and shipyard electrification indicate expanding frontiers of inquiry. The analysis highlights an increasingly interconnected research ecosystem, where optimisation and environmental performance form the central nodes linking digitalisation, robotics, and alternative fuel technologies. Overall, the findings demonstrate a shift in shipyards from traditional production facilities to innovation-driven ecosystems towards digital transformation, sustainability, and competitiveness. The study concludes by identifying key research gaps and underscoring the need for integrated, system-level approaches to accelerate the green transition of the maritime sector.