Cybersecurity Applications in the Maritime Industry: A Scientometric Approach

Abstract

The maritime industry, which holds significant importance for international logistics operations and global trade, is increasingly exposed to cybersecurity risks in this era of accelerating digitalization. In this context, cybersecurity research conducted within the maritime sector is crucial in maintaining international trade, preventing economic losses, and effectively managing global supply chains. In this regard, the primary objective of this study is to examine research on cybersecurity applications in the maritime field using the scientific mapping method and to identify prominent topics and themes. Accordingly, a search was conducted in the Web of Science database using maritime-related keywords in combination with the terms “cybersecurity,” “cyber risk,” “cyber threats,” or “cyber risk management.” Covering the period from 2014 to December 2024, including early-access publications slated for 2025, 248 studies incorporating maritime concepts and these cybersecurity-related terms were analyzed using the R programming language. The analysis results indicate that research in this field began in 2014 and that there has been a notable increase in the number of studies conducted since 2018. The findings reveal that the most frequently used keywords in this field include “model,” “cybersecurity,” “performance,” and “safety.” Additionally, the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering stands out as the journal that has published the highest number of studies and received the most citations in this domain. The top
three countries with the highest number of publications in this field are Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, respectively. Furthermore, the prominent thematic focus identified in the research is collision-avoidance navigation. These findings are significant for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, as they also contribute to developing recommendations for future studies.