Navigating the Digital Wave: A Systematic Literature Review on Digital Leadership in the Maritime Industry (2020–2025)

The maritime industry is currently facing two major transformations, namely digitalization and decarbonization within the framework of “Shipping 4.0,” which demand fundamental changes in leadership practices. Although the adoption of technology is advancing rapidly, the human role remains a key factor in ensuring the successful implementation of these transformations. This study aims to examine the evolution of digital leadership in the maritime sector through a systematic literature review of scientific publications from 2020 to 2025. The method employed is a systematic literature review of 30 relevant primary sources, involving a process of selection, analysis, and thematic synthesis of findings. The results indicate a shift from traditional hierarchical leadership models toward more adaptive, data-driven, and socio-technical leadership. Digital leadership is identified not only as a technical competence but also as a strategic necessity capable of integrating autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and sustainability. This study also proposes the conceptual framework of the “Maritime Digital Triad” as a theoretical contribution to understanding the complexities of leadership in the digital age. In conclusion, digital leadership plays a crucial role in bridging the challenges of technology and human resources while opening avenues for further research, particularly in the adaptive and sustainable management of maritime human resources.