Autonomous Marine Vehicles Global Market Report 2024

The autonomous marine vehicles market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.68 billion in 2023 to $3.11 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2%. The growth observed during the historic period can be attributed to several factors, including strong economic growth in emerging markets, an increase in military expenditure, and a heightened focus on unmanned platforms.

The autonomous marine vehicles market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.72 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to several factors, including increasing government support, advancements in technology, a rise in oceanographic surveys, and an increase in defense expenditure. Major trends expected in the forecast period include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance product offerings, a focus on technological advancements, the development of third-generation autonomous driving systems, the utilization of 3D printing, the deployment of autonomous marine vehicle fleets, advanced battery driving systems, and a focus on strategic partnerships and collaborations.

The surge in hydrographic, oceanographic, and environmental surveys conducted on a global scale is a primary driver stimulating growth within the autonomous marine vehicles market. Hydrographic surveys serve to delineate and map underwater features, pivotal for crafting navigational charts essential for safe vessel transit. Simultaneously, oceanographic surveys aid in comprehending marine and freshwater environments crucial for port and harbor development, industrial outfalls, power plant infrastructure, and offshore disposals. Autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) emerge as efficient tools for hydrographic surveys, offering cost and time savings while providing flexibility and swift deployment for diverse survey needs. An exemplar is the world's first autonomous hydrographic survey conducted by 4D Ocean at the request of the channel Coastal Observatory (CCO), utilizing a SeaRobotics ASV 2.5 to map the seabed offshore of Hurst Spit, Western Solent.

The expanding oil and gas industry is anticipated to serve as a driving force propelling the growth of the autonomous marine vehicles market. This multifaceted industry encompasses activities ranging from exploration and extraction to production, refining, transportation, and marketing of hydrocarbon-based resources such as crude oil and natural gas. Vital underwater infrastructure such as pipelines, wellheads, and subsea installations are integral to this industry. Autonomous marine vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies play a pivotal role in inspecting and maintaining these critical assets, ensuring their integrity and minimizing environmental risks. For instance, as per the Government Digital Service's report in September 2023, the UK's oil and gas output generated a total revenue of $1.72 billion for the government during the tax year 2021 to 2022, marking a substantial increase from $0.37 billion the preceding year, signifying a significant $1.35 billion gain. Consequently, the burgeoning oil and gas industry stands as a significant catalyst propelling the growth of the autonomous marine vehicles market.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established regulations governing ballast water management in marine vehicles. Ballast water, essential for maintaining safe operating conditions in these vessels, is subject to Regulation D-3 by the IMO. This regulation mandates the approval of ballast water management systems employing active substances, adhering to specifications outlined by the IMO. According to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, active substances encompass those containing viruses or fungi designed to combat harmful aquatic organisms or pathogens. Such regulations serve as a checkpoint for manufacturers producing ballast water management systems, influencing companies within the autonomous marine vehicle market.

An emerging trend in the autonomous marine vehicle market involves the utilization of maritime drone swarming to bolster surveillance and investigative capabilities. Maritime drone swarms entail a collective of numerous underwater vehicles functioning cohesively for specific purposes. These drone swarms offer diverse applications in defense, capable of executing surveillance, investigative tasks, and even defensive or offensive measures. Their collaborative movement through underwater environments enables the swarms to sense and map a broader area more efficiently, utilizing various sensing techniques to create comprehensive environmental maps. For instance, the European Union's Ocean2020 research project aims to integrate drones and unmanned submarines into swarms or fleet units. Similarly, the US Navy's Undersea Warfare Center allocated a $78,000 grant for Aquabotix’s SwarmDiver technology, supporting its implementation for the US Navy and allied vessels.

Major players within the autonomous marine vehicles market are introducing advanced homing and docking solutions, notably the Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R) system. This innovative method facilitates the launch and retrieval of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from an actively moving submarine, harnessing the proven Iver4 AUV technology. In a significant development, L3Harris Technologies, a prominent US-based aerospace and defense technology company, successfully developed and integrated a homing and docking solution enabling the seamless launch and recovery of an AUV from an operational submarine - a process referred to as Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTL&R). This milestone achievement positions L3Harris as the pioneer in accomplishing fully autonomous AUV launch and retrieval from an operational submarine. Leveraging the Iver4 AUV technology, submarines can maintain covert positions in safe waters while deploying the AUV to execute surveys and missions in areas inaccessible to the submarine itself.

Major companies operating in the autonomous marine vehicles market report are L3Harris Technologies, Inc., BAE Systems, General Dynamics (Bluefin Robotics), Kongsberg, Saab AB, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Textron Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries, Teledyne Technologies, Inc., Atlas Elektronik, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, DSME, Samsung Heavy Industries, Tsuneishi Holdings, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Ocius Technology Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Co Ltd., CIMC Modular Building Investment Co., Ltd., Beijing Jiatie Multimodal Transport Consulting Service Co., Ltd., Naval Yards Kiel GmbH, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, Neptune Werft GmbH, Schiffswerft Hermann Barthel GmbH, Meyer Werft, STX, PIRIOU, SOCARENAM, CMN: Chantiers naval de Normandie, A&P Group Tyne Shipyard, Cammell Laird, Parkol Marine Engineering, NAUTA, Remontowa, Seatech Engineering, CRIST S A, Marine Projects Ltd SP, PO SEVMASH, AO, OSK, Admiralteiskie Verfi, Severnaya Verf, Pella, NEVSKI SSZ, Vard Tulcea, Santierul Naval Damen Galati, Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Shipyard ATG Giurgiu, Bravo Zulu, DuXion, Open Ocean Robotics, RBR, The SailTimer, International Submarine Engineering, Beaverlabs, NAVEMAR SA, Alianza Uruguay, Servicios Nauticos S.R.L, World Shipping Agenciamentos, Posidonia, Atlantic Shipping, Sultrade Shipping Agency, Vit Logistica, Latam Cargo, Global Marine Services, Al Seer Marine Supplies & Equipment Company L.L.C, Saudi Aramco, Aselsan A.S, Sefine Shipyard, Safmarine, Ethiopian Shipping Lines.

North America was the largest region in the autonomous marine vehicles market in 2023. Middle East was the second largest region in the global autonomous marine vehicles market share. The regions covered in the autonomous marine vehicles market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the autonomous marine vehicles market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Canada, Spain.

The primary types of autonomous marine vehicles include surface vehicles and underwater vehicles. Surface vehicles are designed for transportation on the water's surface, distinguishing them from underwater vehicles. Various applications for autonomous marine vehicles include military and defense operations, archaeological exploration, oil and gas industry applications, environmental protection and monitoring, search and salvage operations, and oceanography. The technologies involved in these vehicles encompass imaging, navigation, communication, collision avoidance, and propulsion.

The autonomous marine vehicles market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides autonomous marine vehicle market statistics, including global market size, regional shares, competitors with an autonomous marine vehicle market share, detailed autonomous marine vehicle market segments, autonomous marine vehicle market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the autonomous marine vehicle industry. This autonomous marine vehicle market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The autonomous marine vehicles market consists of sales of submarine gliders and autonomous underwater vehicles. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.