The ship fuel consumption (SFC) model is crucial for research on ship energy efficiency simulation, optimisation, and carbon emission prediction. In this study, the bibliometric tool CiteSpace was used to conduct a literature review on SFC models. Based on the review, it was concluded that the current SFC models can be classified into three types: white, black, and grey boxes. Considering the different types of SFC models, the advantages and disadvantages, accuracy improvement methods, and verification methods were analysed. Furthermore, the influencing factors of the SFC models were investigated. Based on the top-down and bottom-up modelling methods, appropriate applications of the SFC models were analysed. Furthermore, the SFC models suitable for different operation stages of ships were classified based on the degree of data availability. Finally, the persisting problems in SFC models were summarised, and corresponding solutions were proposed. In addition, future research directions for SFC models were also proposed. This study can serve as a reference for research on ship energy efficiency improvement and carbon emission forecasting.