MAPPING THE SCIENTIFIC LANDSCAPE OF URBAN EMISSIONS IN PORT CITIES: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Abstract

Port cities face increasing pressure due to their significant role in global greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, impacting both environment and public health. This study conducts a systematic bibliometric review of 220 Scopus-indexed publications from 2014 to 2025 to map the evolving scientific landscape of urban emissions in these maritime hubs. Findings reveal a "productivity paradox": while research output has surged by 660%, the average citation impact has declined by 96%, indicating thematic fragmentation. The analysis identifies a critical disconnect between technical maritime engineering—such as port electrification and "cold ironing"—and urban spatial governance frameworks. Furthermore, advanced digital tools like artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring remain underutilized. Theoretically, this study advances urban environmental governance by positioning emission mitigation as a central variable in municipal spatial growth rather than a localized technical issue. The review calls for a paradigmatic shift toward "Integrated Port-City Governance" to align maritime decarbonization with resilient urban planning. By bridging environmental engineering and spatial policy, this research provides a strategic foundation for transforming port cities into low-carbon, sustainable urban ecosystems.