Shipbuilding materials: A bibliometric analysis of research trends

This study examines global research trends in shipbuilding materials using bibliometric matching and addresses the gap in the literature stemming from the lack of a comprehensive bibliometric study directly focusing on shipbuilding materials. The Scopus database was searched for studies published between 1970 and 2024; the starting year was chosen because it corresponds to the period when research on modern shipbuilding materials accelerated with advances in welding/joining processes, corrosion protection, and material testing standards. The search used the keywords “ship hull materials,” “naval architecture materials,” and “marine vehicle construction materials.” The latter two terms were defined to encompass structural and construction elements directly related to shipbuilding. Bibliometric matching identified leading countries, institutions, journals, frequently cited studies, and thematic clusters. The thematic framework is organized according to four main material groups: wood, steel, aluminum, and composites. The findings indicate a growing emphasis on composite materials, and ongoing research on improving corrosion resistance, strength, and sustainability in steel and aluminum. The results obtained provide a comprehensive overview of the subject and produce insights that can contribute to the shaping of future research agendas in marine engineering and naval architecture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cite this article: Sekban, D. M., Berigel, M., & Kirma, F. (2026). Shipbuilding materials: A bibliometric analysis of research trends. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(2), 281595. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.281595 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Highlights Summarizes recent studies on materials in maritime structural applications. Presents a 50-year bibliometric analysis of shipbuilding materials research. Identifies top countries, institutions, and key authors in the maritime field. Reveals thematic shifts and keyword trends in naval material studies. Maps international collaboration networks in shipbuilding materials research. Highlights emerging topics such as composites, corrosion, and eco-friendly design.