Autonomous Boats Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2024 to 2032

Description

The Global Autonomous Boats Market was valued at USD 541.5 million in 2023 and is anticipated to experience a robust growth rate of 9.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This growth is primarily driven by an increasing focus on safety, cost-effectiveness, and operational resilience across various sectors. Unmanned vessels are particularly valuable in industries such as defense, environmental research, and commercial shipping, as they significantly reduce human exposure to dangerous situations, especially during military patrols and deep-sea exploration. Furthermore, autonomous boats help minimize the risk of human error, which leads to fewer accidents and lower damage costs, ultimately resulting in significant savings on insurance and maintenance. In logistics, these vessels provide precise, real-time tracking of cargo and enhance port operations by decreasing turnaround times.

Such efficiencies create a strong return on investment, making autonomous technology an appealing option for shipping companies that seek to boost profitability and improve operational reliability. The market can be categorized by levels of autonomy into fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, and remote-controlled vessels. In 2023, the semi-autonomous category dominated the market, capturing over 45% of the share, and is projected to exceed USD 550 million by 2032. This segment is favored for its ability to combine autonomous operations with essential human control. Semi-autonomous vessels enable operators to remotely oversee critical functions like navigation and monitoring, effectively mitigating risks in complicated environments while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Fully autonomous vessels often encounter more stringent safety and compliance hurdles, making the semi-autonomous option more viable for many operators. Regarding propulsion methods, the autonomous boats market from fuel-powered segment commanded approximately 54% of the market share in 2023 owing to its high power output, long-range endurance, and existing infrastructure. Fuel-powered systems provide the robust energy necessary for extended missions, making them particularly suitable for military, commercial, and extensive research operations that require autonomy in remote locations over long periods.

Market Scope
Start Year	2023
Forecast Year	2024-2032
Start Value	$541.5 Million
Forecast Value	$1.18 Billion
CAGR	9.4%

Europe autonomous boats market represented 35% of the total revenue in 2023 and is expected to surpass USD 450 million by 2032. The region's interest in autonomous vessels is driven by significant investments in maritime technology, especially in defense, shipping, and environmental monitoring sectors.

This trend reflects a growing recognition of the potential benefits of autonomous boats for various applications.

Product Code: 12015

Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope

1.1 Research design
- 1.1.1 Research approach
- 1.1.2 Data collection methods
1.2 Base estimates and calculations
- 1.2.1 Base year calculation
- 1.2.2 Key trends for market estimates
1.3 Forecast model
1.4 Primary research & validation
- 1.4.1 Primary sources
- 1.4.2 Data mining sources
1.5 Market definitions

Chapter 2 Executive Summary

2.1 Industry 360° synopsis, 2021 - 2032

Chapter 3 Industry Insights

3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.2 Supplier landscape
- 3.2.1 Technology providers
- 3.2.2 Boat manufacturers
- 3.2.3 Systems integrators
- 3.2.4 Component suppliers
- 3.2.5 End users
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Pricing analysis of autonomous boats
3.5 Technology & innovation landscape
3.6 Key news & initiatives
3.7 Regulatory landscape
3.8 Impact forces
- 3.8.1 Growth drivers
  - 3.8.1.1 Rising demand for unmanned operations
  - 3.8.1.2 Technological advancements in sensor and navigation technologies
  - 3.8.1.3 Increased demand for efficiency and safety
  - 3.8.1.4 Cost savings in commercial shipping and logistics
- 3.8.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
  - 3.8.2.1 High initial costs
  - 3.8.2.2 Autonomous vessels are vulnerable to cyber threats
3.9 Growth potential analysis
3.10 Porter's analysis
3.11 PESTEL analysis

Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2023

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix

Chapter 5 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Autonomy Level, 2021 - 2032 ($Bn, Units)

5.1 Key trends
5.2 Fully autonomous
5.3 Semi-autonomous
5.4 Remote controlled

Chapter 6 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Propulsion, 2021 - 2032 ($Bn, Units)

6.1 Key trends
6.2 Hybrid electric
6.3 Fuel powered
6.4 Fully electric

Chapter 7 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Application, 2021 - 2032 ($Bn, Units)

7.1 Key trends
7.2 Surveillance and security
7.3 Environmental research and monitoring
7.4 Commercial shipping and cargo
7.5 Search and rescue
7.6 Passenger transportation

Chapter 8 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Boat Size, 2021 - 2032 ($Bn, Units)

8.1 Key trends
8.2 <20 feet
8.3 20-40 feet
8.4 >40 feet

Chapter 9 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Region, 2021 - 2032 ($Bn, Units)

9.1 Key trends
9.2 North America
- 9.2.1 U.S.
- 9.2.2 Canada
9.3 Europe
- 9.3.1 UK
- 9.3.2 Germany
- 9.3.3 France
- 9.3.4 Spain
- 9.3.5 Italy
- 9.3.6 Russia
- 9.3.7 Nordics
9.4 Asia Pacific
- 9.4.1 China
- 9.4.2 India
- 9.4.3 Japan
- 9.4.4 South Korea
- 9.4.5 ANZ
- 9.4.6 Southeast Asia
9.5 Latin America
- 9.5.1 Brazil
- 9.5.2 Mexico
- 9.5.3 Argentina
9.6 MEA
- 9.6.1 UAE
- 9.6.2 South Africa
- 9.6.3 Saudi Arabia

Chapter 10 Company Profiles

10.1 ABB
10.2 ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH
10.3 BAE Systems
10.4 Buffalo Automation
10.5 Elbit Systems
10.6 Fugro
10.7 Furuno Electric
10.8 Garmin Ltd
10.9 General Dynamics Mission Systems
10.10 Hyundai Heavy Industries
10.11 Kongsberg Maritime
10.12 L3Harris ASV
10.13 Navico Group
10.14 Raymarine
10.15 Roboat
10.16 Rolls-Royce PLC
10.17 Sea Machines Robotics
10.18 Siemens
10.19 Textron Systems
10.20 Wartsila Corporation