Maritime Security Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Maritime Security Market is projected to expand from USD 33.53 Billion in 2025 to USD 47.48 Billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.97%. This sector involves protecting vessels, offshore infrastructure, and ports from threats like terrorism, piracy, and illegal trafficking through risk assessment, surveillance, and defensive strategies. Growth is largely driven by the urgent need to secure global supply chains and the increasing volume of international seaborne trade, which necessitates strong defensive measures to guarantee operational continuity. Furthermore, the enduring presence of maritime crime compels ongoing investment in advanced security to protect crew members and cargo. As reported by the ICC International Maritime Bureau, 116 incidents of armed robbery and piracy against ships were recorded worldwide in 2024, highlighting the persistent risks that fuel the demand for protective technologies.

Despite these positive drivers, the market encounters a major obstacle regarding the significant financial investment needed to deploy comprehensive security systems. The high costs associated with installing and maintaining modern cybersecurity solutions and surveillance networks can be prohibitive for port authorities and smaller shipping operators with limited budgets. This financial burden frequently postpones the adoption of integrated security upgrades, thereby slowing the overall expansion of the global maritime security sector.

Market Drivers

Rising geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes are fundamentally transforming the global maritime security environment, forcing stakeholders to bolster their assets against both asymmetric and kinetic threats. Instability in critical chokepoints and the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea have compelled operators to implement advanced hardening and threat detection measures to safeguard crews and vessels. These regional conflicts interrupt established shipping lanes, creating a volatile context where security spending is essential for operational viability and insurance compliance. According to an International Monetary Fund article from March 2024 regarding Red Sea attacks, trade volume through the Suez Canal fell by 50 percent year-over-year during the first two months of 2024, emphasizing the severe operational consequences of regional instability.

Simultaneously, the escalation of sophisticated digital sabotage and cyber threats has become a major vulnerability as the industry fast-tracks its digital transformation. As ports and ships become more interconnected via information and operational technology systems, they face increased risks of system seizures, data breaches, and ransomware that could disrupt global logistics. A November 2024 report by DNV on maritime cyber priorities noted that 31 percent of maritime professionals experienced at least one cyber-attack in the previous year, a sharp rise necessitating robust cybersecurity protocols. To address these combined digital and physical risks, governments are increasing funding for infrastructure hardening; for example, FEMA allocated $90 million in 2024 through the Port Security Grant Program to enhance maritime domain awareness and protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism.

Market Challenges

The significant financial investment needed to deploy comprehensive security systems serves as a major obstacle to the Global Maritime Security Market. Establishing modern cybersecurity frameworks and surveillance networks requires substantial upfront capital and entails ongoing maintenance costs. This financial burden is especially difficult for port authorities and smaller shipping operators with limited budgets, often forcing them to depend on aging infrastructure or delay necessary upgrades. Consequently, the adoption of critical defensive technologies remains fragmented, leaving parts of the global supply chain exposed to emerging threats.

This economic pressure is intensified by the escalating costs linked to digital defense strategies. According to DNV data from 2024, 73% of maritime professionals indicated that their organizations had raised cybersecurity spending relative to the prior year. Such rising expenses restrict the widespread deployment of integrated security architectures, as organizations are frequently compelled to value immediate operational liquidity over long-term defensive expenditures. This tendency directly impedes the sector's growth potential by reducing the speed at which standard security protocols are implemented across the global fleet.

Market Trends

The accelerated adoption of unmanned surveillance systems is radically changing maritime security operations by allowing for continuous, remote monitoring of offshore assets and coastlines without endangering personnel. Defense entities are increasingly deploying aerial drones and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) to create persistent monitoring networks that provide better coverage than conventional manned patrols. This strategic shift toward autonomous capabilities is being hastened by major government funding initiatives aimed at scaling production. As reported by DefenseScoop in May 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense secured roughly $500 million in fiscal year 2024 funding to expedite the deployment of thousands of autonomous systems, highlighting the substantial financial backing behind this trend.

At the same time, the spread of IoT connectivity and smart sensors is driving the evolution of "Smart Ports," where hyper-connected environments offer security teams granular, real-time situational awareness. Port authorities are widely deploying internet-connected sensors on perimeter fences, cranes, and containers to automatically identify anomalies and optimize emergency responses through data integration. This shift toward digitized infrastructure is bolstered by significant public sector investments designed to modernize key trade hubs. According to a July 2024 press release from the European Commission, over €7 billion in grants was allocated to support 134 transport projects, including initiatives to equip maritime ports with smart technology systems and advanced safety measures.

Key Players Profiled in the Maritime Security Market

• SAAB AB
• Thales SA
• Leonardo S.p.A
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Airbus SE
• BAE Systems Inc.
• Terma A/S
• Westminster Group PLC
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Smiths Group PLC

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Maritime Security Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Maritime Security Market, by Systems:

• Screening and Scanning
• Communications
• Surveillance
• Tracking

Maritime Security Market, by Type:

• Port and Critical Infrastructure Security
• Vessel Security
• Coastal Security

Maritime Security Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Maritime Security Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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