Autonomous Boats Market by Propulsion (Fully Electric, Fuel-powered, Hybrid Electric), Boat Size (<20 Feet, 20-40 Feet, >40 Feet), Type (Cruising Boats, Tug & Work Boats, Combat Boats), Autonomy and Region - Global Forecast to 2029
[219 Pages Report] The autonomous boats market is projected to grow from USD 558 million in 2024 to USD 872 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 9.3%. Advances in artificial intelligence, sensors, and the Internet of Things are enhancing the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of operations, which has increased demand for autonomous boats at a rapid rate. Automation demand is on the rise in commercial sectors for applications such as urban mobility and maritime surveying, among others. These factors are expected to influence the key market players: Kongsberg Maritime (Norway), ABB (Switzerland), Rolls-Royce PLC (UK), Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea), and Fugro (Netherlands), among others.
Autonomous Boats Market Forecast to 2029
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Autonomous Boats Market Dynamics:
Driver: Growing use of automated systems to prevent human errors
Driving factors in the autonomous boats market include the increased use of automated systems to reduce human error and improve operational safety and efficiency. Advanced technologies integrated into autonomous boats include artificial intelligence, machine learning, and highly advanced sensors, which allow them to execute functions that are challenging to handle with great precision and reliability. This reduces the possibility of human error, which is considered a key causal factor in both maritime accidents and operational inefficiency. Automation reduces errors in navigation & control, optimizes performance, and makes timely decisions in case of changes in the environment. This shift toward automation will motivate the commercial, industrial, and defense sectors with reduced operating costs and increased safety, thereby fueling the growth of the market.
Restraint: Vulnerability associated with cyber threats
The vulnerability associated with cyber threats acts as a significant restraint to the autonomous boats market. While digital systems are being relied on for operation and remote control, the threat of cyberattacks is also high. Autonomous boats will rely heavily on software, communication networks, and data exchange systems, which are elaborate systems that could be susceptible to hacking, which can hamper operations, leak sensitive information, or compromise safety. These kinds of cyber threats have the potential to destroy navigation systems, control commands, and onboard data, which may lead to partial or total failure, financial losses, and even certain unsafe situations. Thus, the development of cybersecurity concerns and several protection mechanisms becomes important to ensure the reliability and safety of autonomous vessels. The need for enhanced cybersecurity solutions and protocols can restrain the overall growth of the market, thus increasing the cost at the manufacturing and operating levels.
Opportunity: Advancements in sensor technology for improved navigation in autonomous boats
In the market for autonomous boats, advancements in sensor technologies have led to significant benefits. Sensors like LiDAR, high-resolution radar, and advanced SONAR systems provide accurate and comprehensive environmental data, allowing autonomous boats to navigate more precisely in complex and dynamic maritime environments. This improves safety by enabling vessels to detect and avoid obstacles while making real-time adjustments. As sensor technology continues to evolve, it will further enhance autonomous systems, creating more versatile applications in both, commercial and defense sectors. The integration of modern sensors enhances the performance of autonomous boats and opens up new commercial opportunities in the market.
Challenge: Cost-intensive customization of marine automation systems
Customization of marine automation systems is a challenge for the autonomous boat market as it entails high costs for tailoring to specific operational and regulatory requirements. These costs further increase with the periodic need for maintenance, software updates, and support services designed for particular vessel configurations and operating scenarios. The high costs deter many operators and manufacturers from market entry, while for other operators, their scalability of autonomous solutions is limited, which hinders the adoption of autonomous boats and slows down market growth.
Autonomous Boats Market Ecosystem
Based on type, the recreational boats segment is projected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Based on type, the autonomous boats market is segmented into recreational boats, commercial boats, and military & law enforcement boats. Recreational boats are projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. New advancements in autonomous technology make recreational boats much safer, more efficient, and easier to handle, innovations that are popular among enthusiasts seeking novel recreational experiences. For leisure boats, autonomous integration means extended navigation, automated docking, and an improved overall ability of the boat to perform. This trend meets the increasing consumer preference for convenience and technological sophistication in leisure activities, thus driving rapid growth in this segment.
Based on propulsion, the fuel-powered segment will have the largest market share during the forecast period.
On the basis of propulsion, the market for autonomous boats has been segmented into fuel-powered, hybrid electric, and fully electric. During the forecast period, the fuel-powered segment is expected to dominate the market. Conventionally, fuel-powered engines are extremely reliable and durable. These are now being equipped with autonomous systems that enhance performance and operational efficiency. These propulsion systems work for a variety of applications, from commercial and recreational boating to providing the power and range necessary to sustain long autonomous operations. Some of the factors driving the growth of this segment include better fuel economy, lower emissions, and better control systems.
Based on boat size, the 20–40 feet segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.
The autonomous boats market, by boat size, is segmented into <20 feet, 20–40 feet, and >40 feet. Of these, the 20–40 feet segment is expected to have the largest market share as this size fits most applications since it is versatile and practical. Boats in the 20-40 feet segment are apt for a range of applications, from inland and coastal navigation, research, and surveillance to leisure activities. Autonomous technology is less challenging to fit into this size category compared to larger boats, as they require fewer complicated systems and modifications at lower costs. Their size also makes them more appealing to commercial and governmental organizations for effective deployment and operation across various marine bodies. Improved technology continuing to become available at lower costs will also cause the 20–40 feet segment to see further growth and usage.
Based on autonomy, the partially autonomous segment will command the largest share of the autonomous boats market.
Based on autonomy, the autonomous boats market has been segmented into partially autonomous, remotely operated, and fully autonomous. The partially autonomous segment is estimated to have the largest market share due to its advantages, such as higher efficiency, reliability, and safety, compared to manned boats. These vessels are also ideal for research and surveillance applications since they operate independently using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and complex sensor systems. Most importantly, partially autonomous boats can run continuously with a minimal crew requirement, leading to low operating costs and longer running hours. As technology develops further and regulatory frameworks evolve to foster innovations, the partially autonomous boats segment is likely to capture the highest percentage share in the market.
Europe is projected to hold the largest market share in 2024.
The maximum share in the autonomous boat market will be captured by Europe, which has an advanced technological ecosystem combined with a rich maritime sector and proactive regulatory framework. High research & development investments are supported by funding through both, government and private sectors, which drive innovation in autonomous navigation and control systems. In Europe, environmental regulations regarding vessels' optimal fuel efficiency with minimal emissions are stringent and act as a catalyst to demand for autonomous boats to comply with them. Moreover, solid maritime infrastructure coupled with an increase in demand for sophisticated solutions in the same industry further solidifies the strong position of Europe in the global market.
Autonomous Boats Markett by Region
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Key Market Players
The major players in the autonomous boats companies are Kongsberg Maritime (Norway), ABB (Switzerland), Rolls-Royce PLC (UK), Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea), Fugro (Netherlands), BAE Systems (UK), Wartsila (Finland), Garmin Ltd (US), Siemens (Germany), L3Harris ASV (UK), Navico Group (Norway), ComNav Marine Ltd (Canada), Praxis Automation Technology B.V. (Netherlands), Metal shark (US), Raymarine (UK), Furuno Electric Co., Ltd (Japan), Anschütz GmbH (Germany), Buffalo Automation (US), SeeByte (UK), Callboats (Germany), SubSea Craft Ltd (UK), Dockmate (US), Navier (US), Roboat (Netherlands), and Sea Machines Robotics (US). These players have adopted various growth strategies to expand their presence in the autonomous boats market.
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Report Metric |
Details |
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Market size available for years |
2020-2029 |
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Base year considered |
2023 |
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Forecast period |
2024-2029 |
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Forecast units |
Value (USD) |
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Segments Covered |
By Type, Autonomy, Propulsion, Boat Size and Region |
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Geographies covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America & Africa |
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Companies covered |
Kongsberg Maritime(Norway), ABB( Switzerland), Rolls-Royce PLC (UK), Hyundai Heavy Industries(South Korea), and Fugro (Netherlands) |
Autonomous Boats Market Highlights
This research report categorizes the autonomous boats markets based on Type, Autonomy, Propulsion, Boat Size and Region.
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Segment |
Subsegment |
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By Propulsion |
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By Type |
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By Autonomy |
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By Boat Size |
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By Region |
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Recent Developments
- In May 2022, Kongsberg Maritime (KM) and Cadeler, a Danish Shipbuilding company, signed a three-part contract under which KM will deliver a new vessel to Cadeler. As per the first contract, KM will provide the F-Class jackup to help the vessel increase its capacity. The second contract involves a wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), followed by the third contract, in which KM will provide installation and technical assistance for the vessel using its integrated solutions.
- In September 2021, Rolls-Royce PLC and Sea Machines signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of smart ships and autonomous ship control solutions. As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce's business unit Power Systems and Sea Machines, the leading developer of remote-vessel command and autonomous control systems, will join forces on the development and sale of fully and semi-autonomous vessel control systems.
- In January 2022, Avikus, the in-house venture of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) specializing in developing autonomous navigational systems, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ABS to obtain the Approval in Principle (AiP) for the implementation of autonomous ship technologies. Under the MoU, ABS will work with HHI's Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Avikus to integrate autonomous and remote-control functions into vessels.
- In September 2021, Fugro signed a contract with Kooiman Engineering and Van Oossanen Naval Architects, which includes the naval design of Blue Prism, Fugro's next generation of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
- In May 2024, Metal Shark was one of two builders awarded a seven-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to USD 290 million to produce up to seventy-three 40-foot "40 PB" patrol boats for the US Naval Expeditionary Combat Command.
- In May 2023, SAIC partnered with GomSpace to provide US customers with new space-based mission capabilities using CubeSats and SmallSats. This partnership combined SAIC's expertise with GomSpace's spacecraft technologies for the rapid deployment of solutions, including software, spacecraft components, and mission operations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the current size of the autonomous boats market?
The autonomous boats market is projected to grow from USD 558 million in 2024 to USD 872 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 9.3 % in the forecast period.
Who are the winners in the autonomous boats market?
Kongsberg Maritime(Norway), ABB( Switzerland), Rolls-Royce PLC (UK), Hyundai Heavy Industries(South Korea), and Fugro (Netherlands).
What are some of the technological advancements in the market?
- Advanced Propulsion Systems: The advanced propulsion systems are a key technology trend shaping the autonomous boats market, driving both performance and efficiency improvements. These systems include innovations such as electric and hybrid propulsion, advanced battery technologies, and high-efficiency waterjet or pod drives. Electric and hybrid propulsion systems are particularly significant due to their lower environmental impact, reduced noise, and fewer mechanical parts, which enhance reliability and maintenance. They enable autonomous boats to operate more quietly and efficiently, which is crucial for applications like environmental monitoring and research where minimizing disturbance is essential.
- Digital Marine Automation System: The digital marine automation systems integrate advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and real-time data analytics to enhance the autonomy and efficiency of marine operations. Digital marine automation systems enable boats to perform complex tasks such as navigation, collision avoidance, and operational management without human intervention. By leveraging sensors, cameras, and GPS technology, these systems provide precise control and monitoring, improving safety and operational efficiency. Also, they facilitate remote control and monitoring, allowing for enhanced flexibility and responsiveness in maritime operations. As the demand for autonomous solutions grows, digital marine automation systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, driving innovation and expanding the capabilities of autonomous boats.
What are the factors driving the growth of the market?
- Growing maritime sports industry
- Growing use of automation to prevent human errors
- Increasing demand for maritime security and surveillance
- Rising demand for situational awareness in vessels
Which region is expected to hold highest market share in the autonomous boats market?
Autonomous boats market in the Europe region is estimated to hold the largest market share of 35.0% of the total market in 2024.
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The research study conducted on the autonomous boats market involved the extensive use of secondary sources, directories, and databases, such as D&B Hoovers, Bloomberg, and Factiva, to identify and collect relevant information. Primary sources included industry experts from the market as well as suppliers, manufacturers, solution providers, technology developers, alliances, and organizations related to all segments of the value chain of this industry. In-depth interviews of various primary respondents, including key industry participants, subject matter experts (SMEs), industry consultants, and C-level executives, were conducted to obtain and verify critical qualitative and quantitative information pertaining to the market as well as assess the growth prospects of the market. A deductive approach, also known as the bottom-up approach combined with the top-down approach, was used to forecast the market size of different market segments.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, various secondary sources were referred to identify and collect information for this study on the autonomous boats market. Secondary sources included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers and certified publications; articles from recognized authors; manufacturers' associations; directories; and databases. Secondary research was mainly used to obtain key information about the supply chain of the marine industry, the monetary chain of the market, the total pool of key players, market classification and segmentation according to the industry trends to the bottom-most level, regional markets, and key developments from both market and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative information for this report on the autonomous boats market. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from both the demand and supply sides across major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America & Africa. Primary sources from the supply side included industry experts such as business development managers, sales heads, technology and innovation directors, and related key executives from various key companies and organizations operating in the autonomous boats market.
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Market Size Estimation
The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the autonomous boats market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following details. Key players in the market were identified through secondary research, and their market share was determined through primary and secondary research. This included a study of the annual and financial reports of top market players and extensive interviews with industry stakeholders such as CEOs, technical advisors, military experts, marine vessel maintenance professionals, and SMEs of leading companies operating in the autonomous boats market.
All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data on the autonomous boats market. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
Bottom-Up Approach
The bottom-up approach was employed to determine the overall size of the autonomous boats market. Calculations for the market relied on global autonomous boats adoption were based on regional vessel sizes for each country. The bottom-up approach was also implemented to extract secondary research data to validate different market segments' revenues. With the data triangulation procedure and data validation through primaries, the overall sizes of the autonomous boats market from the revenues of key players and their shares in the market and each market segment were determined and confirmed in this study.
Top-Down Approach
In the top-down approach, the overall market size was used to estimate the size of individual markets (mentioned in market segmentation) through percentage splits based on secondary and primary research.
For calculating the sizes of specific market segments, the most appropriate and immediate parent market size was used to implement the top-down approach. The bottom-up approach was also implemented to validate the market segment revenues obtained.
Market shares were then estimated for each company to verify the revenue shares used earlier in the bottom-up approach. With the data triangulation procedure and validation of data through primaries, the sizes of the parent market and each individual market were determined and confirmed in this study. The data triangulation procedure used for this study is explained in the market breakdown and triangulation section.
Data triangulation
After arriving at the overall market size through the market size estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for market segments and subsegments, market breakdown & data triangulation procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable. Data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size was validated using both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Autonomous boats refer to smaller watercraft that involves the integration of various systems and subsystems, enabling effective decision-making based on sensor fusion technology and artificial intelligence (AI) for processing data, hence reducing, or eliminating the need for human intervention. The level of autonomy achieved by integrating autonomy-related systems is categorized into partially autonomous, remotely operated, and fully autonomous.
Stakeholders
Various stakeholders of the market are listed below:
- Autonomous Boat Manufacturers
- Marien Autonomous System Manufacturers
- Subcomponent Manufacturers
- Raw Material Suppliers
- Technology Support Providers
- System Integrators
- Government Agencies
- Commercial Vessel Operators
- Research Organizations
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, segment, and forecast the size of the autonomous boats market based on propulsion, autonomy, boat size, type, and region
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by mapping the recent developments, products, and services of key market players
- To understand the structure of the autonomous boats market by identifying its various segments and subsegments
- To identify and analyze key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges that influence market growth
- To forecast the size of market segments across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin America & Africa, along with major countries in each region
- To analyze micromarkets1 with respect to individual technological trends and their contribution to the total market
- To profile key market players and comprehensively analyze their market share and core competencies2
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market, along with an analysis of business and strategies, such as, partnerships, and agreements , in the autonomous boats market
1. Micromarkets are further segments and subsegments of the autonomous boats market market.
2. Core competencies of companies were captured in terms of their key developments and strategies adopted to sustain their position in the market
Available customizations
Along with the market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations as per the specific needs of companies. The following customization options are available for the report:
Product Analysis
- Product matrix, which gives a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of each company.
Regional Analysis
- Further breakdown of the market segments at the country level
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Autonomous Boats Market