We aimed to improve the performance of ship detection methods in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images by utilizing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The maritime industry faces challenges in collecting precise data due to constantly changing sea conditions and weather, which can affect various maritime operations, such as maritime security, rescue missions, and real-time monitoring of water boundaries. To overcome these challenges, we present a survey of AI- and ML-based techniques for ship detection in SAR images that provide a more effective and reliable way to detect and classify ships in a variety of weather conditions, both onshore and offshore. We identified key features frequently used in the existing literature and applied the graph theory matrix approach (GTMA) to rank the available methods. This study’s findings can help users select a quick and efficient ship detection and classification method, improving the accuracy and efficiency of maritime operations. Moreover, the results of this study will contribute to advancing AI- and ML-based techniques for ship detection in SAR images, providing a valuable resource for the maritime industry.