Instruments Used in Short Sea Shipping Research between 2002 and 2019

Abstract

This study examines in what way SSS) has been researched through an inclusive review of papers published in well-known journals over the 2002–2019 period. Systematic exploration shows that Maritime Policy and Management plays a dominant role in publishing SSS research. At the same time, classification and identification of important on determinants and barriers for successful SSS has been found as the main research area, followed by attractiveness and competitiveness of SSS; policy and subsidizations in SSS and multimodal transportation network; energy efficiency, emission and environmental issue and protection; ports and transport system efficiency; cargo operations, inventory management, competitive SSS technology and ICT; potential demand, opportunity and competitive advantage; sustainable development and influence of meteorological and weather conditions on SSS operations as popular topics. Since 2002, the use of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques has progressively increased in SSS in order to help researchers make decisions through selected scientific methods. With this work, present and prospective researchers can understand the contemporary development and popular research topics in SSS. By presenting a review on the common research instruments and techniques used in SSS research, this study is expected to seal the gap in the present literature through the collation of information on the research approaches in contemporary SSS studies.