Challenges and Optimization in Liner Shipping Network Design: A Systematic Mapping and Future Research Agenda

: The Liner Shipping Network Design (LSND) is crucial for global maritime efficiency; however, the field faces persistent trade-offs driven by escalating fuel costs, complex network demands, and geographical challenges. This paper conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to explore how existing studies have addressed these challenges through diverse optimization strategies. Using the PRISMA approach, 119 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed and systematically mapped across several key dimensions: decision levels (strategic, tactical, and operational), problem areas (shore-based and sea-based), service patterns (simple, pendulum, butterfly, complex, and asymmetric), optimization approaches, and physical constraints. The analysis shows that while mathematical programming, heuristics, metaheuristics, and hybrid models are widely applied, their performance and applicability vary across different case studies. Strategic-level studies on network design and fleet deployment dominate the existing research, whereas service patterns such as butterfly and asymmetric networks remain underexplored despite their operational relevance for regions facing trade imbalances. This review contributes to developing the links between optimization methods and specific LSND challenges. It proposes a future research agenda that emphasizes uncertainty factors, green policy integration