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Abstract: Purpose: The focus of this publication is literature on the Stowage Planning Problem for small container vessels. The problem is important not only for safety reasons concerning stability, but also for enhancing efficiency, as restacking of containers is time consuming and therefore expensive. Small vessels are often competing with other modes of transportation. Optimization of loading operations keeps them competitive. Methodology: A systematic literature review taking into account journal articles, conference proceedings as well as book chapters has been conducted. The literature is analyzed and categorized to identify directions for further research. Findings: The problem has been researched extensively for large container vessels. The findings are not always applicable for small vessels. Publications focusing on those are still scarce, but the number has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, multiple new directions for further research are identified. Originality: An extensive literature review for the stowage planning problem with a focus on small container vessels has not been published to the authors knowledge