Maritime Satellite Communication Market Report 2026

The maritime satellite communication market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.53 billion in 2025 to $4.84 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of satellite networks for maritime coverage, increasing use of vsat systems on commercial vessels, rising demand for maritime voice and data services, adoption of satellite phones and maritime antennas, regulatory mandates for continuous maritime communication.

The maritime satellite communication market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.27 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to deployment of next-generation low-earth-orbit satellites, growth in digitalization of maritime operations, increasing demand for high-speed data connectivity at sea, expansion of tracking and monitoring services, integration of satellite communication with onboard navigation and safety systems. Major trends in the forecast period include integration of high-speed broadband connectivity on vessels, adoption of maritime iot for real-time tracking and monitoring, use of energy-efficient satellite communication terminals, enhanced interoperability with navigation and safety systems, deployment of hybrid satellite-terrestrial communication solutions.

The growing marine trade operations are expected to propel the growth of the maritime satellite communication market going forward. Marine trade operations involve the shipping, buying, and selling of goods and services via sea routes, facilitating international commerce. Increasing economic interconnectivity has boosted trade between countries, driving a rise in both imports and exports. The marine industry depends on maritime satellite communication for real-time vessel tracking, weather updates, and efficient exchange of critical navigation and operational data, supporting smooth global trade operations. For instance, in October 2024, according to UN Trade and Development, a Switzerland-based intergovernmental organization, global maritime trade expanded by 2.4% in 2023. Therefore, growing marine trade operations are driving the growth of the maritime satellite communication market.

Major companies operating in the maritime satellite communication market are focusing on developing advanced solutions such as bidirectional VHF satellite communication to improve safety, efficiency, and connectivity in remote maritime operations. Bidirectional VHF satellite communication allows vessels and shore stations to exchange digital information directly over the VHF band via satellite, overcoming coastal-range limitations and network congestion in traditional systems. For instance, in June 2025, Alén Space, a Spain-based provider of small satellite technology and services, launched the nanosatellite SATMAR (6U) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket to validate VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)-based communications in orbit. Operating over Spain and surrounding waters, it demonstrates bidirectional VHF digital communications and replaces the current AIS (Automatic Identification System). The system supports new maritime services, including more accurate vessel arrival estimates, transmission of safety alerts, and connectivity in remote areas, and features a secondary payload functioning as an in-orbit Software Defined Radio (SDR) laboratory to monitor RF spectrum in VHF, L, and S bands and test high-speed communications in the S-band.

In May 2023, Viasat Inc., a US-based communications company, acquired Inmarsat for an undisclosed amount. The combined entity aims to strengthen its market position by leveraging increased scale, broader capabilities, and enhanced innovation within the global satellite connectivity sector. This strategic move seeks to meet growing customer demands for faster, more flexible, reliable, and secure coverage. Inmarsat is a UK-based satellite telecommunications company providing maritime communications services.

Major companies operating in the maritime satellite communication market are Leonardo S.p.A, Saab AB, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), Cobham SATCOM, Kongsberg Maritime AS, Viasat Inc., Advantech Wireless Inc., SES S.A., EchoStar Corporation, Hughes Network Systems LLC, Inmarsat plc, Iridium Communications Inc., Telespazio S.p.A., Comtech Telecommunications Corp., ORBCOMM Inc., Speedcast International Limited, ST Engineering iDirect, Marlink AS, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, RigNet Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., Gogo Business Aviation LLC, Orbit Communication Systems, Newtec, KVH Industries Inc., Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., NSSL Global, Globecomm Systems Inc., RASCOM, Norsat International Inc.

North America was the largest region in the maritime satellite communication market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the maritime satellite communication market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on satellite communication hardware, maritime antennas, VSAT systems, and navigation satellite equipment have increased procurement costs in the maritime satellite communication market, particularly affecting Asia-Pacific and European regions where major shipbuilding and satellite technology production hubs exist. These tariffs have slowed adoption in merchant shipping, offshore, and leisure vessel segments. On the positive side, tariffs have encouraged local manufacturing and incentivized the development of cost-optimized maritime communication solutions.

The main types of maritime satellite communication are mobile satellite communication and very small aperture terminals (VSAT). Mobile satellite communication refers to the use of satellite technology to enable communication services, including voice and data, for mobile users in remote or maritime environments. The offering includes solutions and services for end users such as merchant shipping, fishing, passenger ships, leisure vessels, offshore, government, and others.

Maritime satellite communication refers to the use of satellite technology to enable communication at sea. These systems support both voice and data communication, allowing for real-time conversations, messaging, and the exchange of important data such as navigation information, weather updates, and operational details.

The main types of maritime satellite communication are mobile satellite communication and very small aperture terminals (VSAT). Mobile satellite communication refers to the use of satellite technology to enable communication services, including voice and data, for mobile users in remote or maritime environments. The offering includes solutions and services for end users such as merchant shipping, fishing, passenger ships, leisure vessels, offshore, government, and others.

The countries covered in the maritime satellite communication market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The maritime satellite communication market consists of revenues earned by entities providing services such as voice services, tracking and monitoring, and very small aperture terminal(VSAT) services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The maritime satellite communication market also includes sales of TV and satellite phones, maritime antennas, VSAT systems, and navigation satellite systems. 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.

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