In the vast, interconnected world of maritime trade, the management of ballast water has emerged as a critical environmental and economic concern. A recent bibliometric review published in *Cleaner Water* (translated from Indonesian as “Cleaner Water”) sheds light on how research in this field is evolving, particularly in relation to the circular economy—a model that prioritizes sustainability and resource efficiency. Led by Dian Kurnianing Sari of the Department of Environmental Science at Universitas Diponegoro in Semarang, Indonesia, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of global research trends, highlighting both progress and gaps in the field.
The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), which came into force in 2017, has spurred a surge in academic and industrial interest. According to the study, the number of publications on ballast water management has grown significantly, with a notable peak in 2023. This surge reflects the urgency of addressing the ecological risks posed by invasive species and the need for effective treatment technologies. “The enforcement of the BWMC has been a game-changer,” Sari explains. “It has not only accelerated research but also fostered global collaboration in tackling this complex issue.”
The bibliometric analysis, which examined 1,027 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024, identified five key thematic clusters: invasive species and ecological risks, ballast water treatment technologies, environmental monitoring, microbiological aspects, and governance and policy. China and the United States emerged as the leading countries in scientific output, while institutions like Dalian Maritime University and Shanghai Ocean University demonstrated significant impact. Key authors in the field, including Bailey, Gollasch, David, and Ruiz, have played pivotal roles in shaping the discourse.
However, the study also reveals a critical gap: while technological and ecological dimensions dominate the research landscape, there is limited focus on life-cycle impacts and circular economy-based approaches. This oversight could have significant commercial implications, particularly for the energy sector, which relies heavily on maritime transport. As the global push toward sustainability intensifies, integrating circular economy principles into ballast water management could unlock new opportunities for resource efficiency and cost savings.
“By adopting circular economy principles, the maritime industry can reduce waste, optimize resource use, and minimize environmental impact,” Sari notes. “This shift could lead to more sustainable and economically viable solutions for ballast water management.”
The study underscores the value of bibliometric analysis as a tool for informing policy and advancing sustainable maritime practices. As the industry continues to grapple with the challenges of ballast water management, this research provides a roadmap for future developments, emphasizing the need for a more holistic approach that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. For the energy sector, this could mean not only compliance with environmental regulations but also a strategic advantage in an increasingly sustainability-driven market.