Autonomous Ships Market by Component (Hardware, Software), Type (Fully-Autonomous, Semi-Autonomous), Application - Global Forecast 2024-2030

Autonomous Ships Market by Component (Hardware, Software), Type (Fully-Autonomous, Semi-Autonomous), Application - Global Forecast 2024-2030

The Autonomous Ships Market size was estimated at USD 4.19 billion in 2023 and expected to reach USD 4.60 billion in 2024, at a CAGR 10.35% to reach USD 8.36 billion by 2030.

The autonomous ships market covers the design, production, integration, operation, and maintenance of advanced seafaring vessels that function with minimal or no human intervention. These cutting-edge vessels employ artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), advanced sensors, communication systems, and navigation technologies to optimize routes, avoid collisions, and manage cargo efficiently. Market growth is fueled by increased global sea-born trade activities necessitating efficient transportation solutions and rising demand for smart and autonomous ships to mitigate human errors. Additionally, the growing inclusion of autonomous ships in the commercial and defense sectors supports market expansion.

Opportunities include developing energy-efficient propulsion systems and renewable energy-based power sources for autonomous ships to reduce carbon emissions in the industry. Technological advancements in AI/ML algorithms and improved sensor capabilities can lead to new business growth opportunities. Cybersecurity risks associated with digital systems for navigation and control of these ships could jeopardize vessel safety, and cargo security is a significant barrier. Additionally, a lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework and a dearth of skilled expertise pose challenges for market expansion. Furthermore, research and development (R&D) efforts aim at improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable power sources into hybrid propulsion systems for autonomous ships.

Regional Insights

The autonomous ships market is experiencing significant growth in the Americas over the coming years. Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) coupled with factors such as operational efficiency enhancements and environmental sustainability goals make these ships an attractive proposition for various stakeholders within the maritime industry. The United States has emerged as a major player in this industry, with its robust research and development programs focusing on enhancing naval capabilities through autonomous systems. Moreover, countries including Canada and Brazil are also exploring opportunities to incorporate autonomous vessels into their maritime operations. The EMEA has emerged as a significant market for autonomous ships driven by various factors such as technological advancements, regulatory developments, and increasing awareness about their potential benefits. The APAC presents substantial potential for autonomous shipping driven by factors such as environmental concerns over traditional shipping methods, increased international trade requirements, partnerships between industry players for innovation-driven projects, and favorable regulations promoting advanced technologies.

Market Insights

Market Dynamics

The market dynamics represent an ever-changing landscape of the Autonomous Ships Market by providing actionable insights into factors, including supply and demand levels. Accounting for these factors helps design strategies, make investments, and formulate developments to capitalize on future opportunities. In addition, these factors assist in avoiding potential pitfalls related to political, geographical, technical, social, and economic conditions, highlighting consumer behaviors and influencing manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions.

Market Drivers

• Rising sea-borne trades across the world
• Increasing demand for smart and autonomous ships to mitigate human errors
• Increasing inclusion of autonomous ships in the commercial and defense sector

Market Restraints

• Risk of cyber-attacks on the ships and high complexity in the network

Market Opportunities

• Technological advancements in AI/ML algorithms coupled with improved sensor capabilities
• Developing energy-efficient propulsion systems and renewable energy-based power sources for autonomous vessels

Market Challenges

• Lack of standard regulations and dearth of skilled expertise

Market Segmentation Analysis

• Components: Proliferation of navigation systems, control systems, and data analytics tools in the marine sector
• Application: Penetration of AI-driven navigation systems in the defense sector

Market Disruption Analysis

• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
• Value Chain & Critical Path Analysis
• Pricing Analysis
• Technology Analysis
• Patent Analysis
• Trade Analysis
• Regulatory Framework Analysis

FPNV Positioning Matrix

The FPNV positioning matrix is essential in evaluating the market positioning of the vendors in the Autonomous Ships Market. This matrix offers a comprehensive assessment of vendors, examining critical metrics related to business strategy and product satisfaction. This in-depth assessment empowers users to make well-informed decisions aligned with their requirements. Based on the evaluation, the vendors are then categorized into four distinct quadrants representing varying levels of success, namely Forefront (F), Pathfinder (P), Niche (N), or Vital (V).

Market Share Analysis

The market share analysis is a comprehensive tool that provides an insightful and in-depth assessment of the current state of vendors in the Autonomous Ships Market. By meticulously comparing and analyzing vendor contributions, companies are offered a greater understanding of their performance and the challenges they face when competing for market share. These contributions include overall revenue, customer base, and other vital metrics. Additionally, this analysis provides valuable insights into the competitive nature of the sector, including factors such as accumulation, fragmentation dominance, and amalgamation traits observed over the base year period studied. With these illustrative details, vendors can make more informed decisions and devise effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Recent Developments

LR Grant AiP for Samsung Heavy Industries’ SAS and SVESSEL

Lloyd's Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) for its Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS) Autonomous Navigation System and SVESSEL Communication System following a successful Joint Development Project. The SAS software incorporates an Integrated Bridge System and advanced situational awareness tools, effectively eliminating the potential for human error in maritime accident scenarios. This software can be seamlessly integrated into a ship's existing system, providing real-time evaluation of collision risks and precise control over vessel direction and speed. Additionally, the SVESSEL Communication System offers features that continuously monitor, calculate, and optimize energy usage, ensuring optimal trim, route, and speed.

UK Government backs GBP 5.4M Project for Delivering World’s First Liquid Hydrogen Autonomous Vessel and Infrastructure

ACUA Ocean and Unitrove Limited received a significant UK government grant as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (CMDC3). The grant will be used to fund the development of an innovative autonomous vessel and bunkering infrastructure powered by liquid hydrogen. The HI-FIVED consortium, consisting of the Port of Aberdeen, University of Southampton, Zero Emissions Maritime Technology, Composite Manufacturing and Design, Trident Marine Electrical, and NASH Maritime, will be collaborating on this project. The main purpose of the project is to establish a domestic green shipping corridor between Aberdeen and the Orkney and Shetland Islands by autumn 2024.

Koreans Lead Program to Commercialize Level 2 Autonomous Ships in 2023

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and its subsidiary Avikus successfully demonstrated autonomous shipping technologies, including automated navigation and decision support, called HiNAS 2.0. By the summer of 2023, HiNAS 2.0 will be available for installation on KR classed and LISCR registered ships. This advanced system utilizes AI to recognize the surrounding environment and adjust steering commands and speed to avoid collision risks.

Strategy Analysis & Recommendation

The strategic analysis is essential for organizations seeking a solid foothold in the global marketplace. Companies are better positioned to make informed decisions that align with their long-term aspirations by thoroughly evaluating their current standing in the Autonomous Ships Market. This critical assessment involves a thorough analysis of the organization’s resources, capabilities, and overall performance to identify its core strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Company Profiles

The report delves into recent significant developments in the Autonomous Ships Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include ABB Ltd., BAE Systems PLC, CargoKite GmbH, DNV AS, Fugro, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, International Business Machines Corporation, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Rolls-Royce PLC, Saab AB, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Unitrove Limited, Unleash Future Boats GmbH, and Vigor Industrial LLC.

Market Segmentation & Coverage

This research report categorizes the Autonomous Ships Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets:

• Component
• Hardware
• Software
• Type
• Fully-Autonomous
• Semi-Autonomous
• Application
• Commercial
• Defense

Region

• Americas
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Mexico
• United States
• California
• Florida
• Illinois
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Asia-Pacific
• Australia
• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Europe, Middle East & Africa
• Denmark
• Egypt
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Israel
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Nigeria
• Norway
• Poland
• Qatar
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

Please Note: PDF & Excel + Online Access - 1 Year