Autonomous Ships Market Size, Industry Trends Report | 2031

Report Description

The global autonomous ships market size is projected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period, 2021–2028. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing seaborne trade, growing maritime tourism, and high spending on marine-based defense by several government across the globe.

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Autonomous ships, also called as remote-controlled ships, are maritime surface ships used to transport a large set of containers or bulk cargo to ensure safe delivery. Such sailing boats are operated without the need for manual operation or interference of human, which completely minimize the human errors. Establishment of various remote-control station/center for the effective operations of sea travel presents another key aspect for the rapid expansion of the automated ships. In many cases, a large volume of cargo had been sunk into the deep sea due to negligence of human operators and safe operation of cargo transport has been widely envisaged over the recent years. Until 2019, several autonomous cargo ship were put on trial and several projects were unveiled. Among the projects, the MV Yara Birkeland started operating in 2020 and became the first operated ship in November 2021. As per the International Maritime Organization (IMO), about 53 organizations had started operating trails for more than 1,000 maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) by 2021. A report published by IMO, the operation of autonomous ships can save nearly 75% of the global maritime accidents, caused by human negligence. However, it is highly estimated among experts that such autonomous or semi-autonomous ship could operate for limited destination such as from one specific port to another having a short distance and duration. 

Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities

• Increasing incidence of marine accidents caused by human errors that lead to severe financial losses for the traders is a key factor driving the market.
• Rising development of unmanned ships to ensure healthy marine environment and rapid expansion of marine trade are pushing market growth.
• Growing shortage of the labor in ship operation and high pressure on the marine transport service providers to ensure safety of laborers present another key aspect of market expansion.
• Possibility of technical issues and high investment requirement for establishment of effective technical and navigational operations are major hurdles that can hamper the market.
• Increasing development of autonomous technology and R&D projects for effective operations of unmanned ships are likely to create several growth opportunities of the market.

Scope of Autonomous Ships Market Report

The report on the global autonomous ships market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Autonomous Ships Market Segment Insights

Semi-autonomous segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace

On the basis of autonomy levels, the global autonomous ships market is bifurcated into fully autonomous and semi-autonomous. The semi-autonomous segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period owing to wide adoption of the system as it offers various sensors and other pre-installed components to ensure a safer navigation system of the ship. However, the fully autonomous segment is anticipated to hold a key share of the market in the coming years as it can automatically redirect its course of shipping to a safer route. Under the system, fully autonomous vessels require no crew or adopt its best course by slowing down speed, which has resulted to save energy.

Systems & software segment to account for a large market share

Based on solutions, the market is bifurcated into structure and systems & software. The systems & software segment is expected to account for a large market share during the forecast period due to owing to the growing needs for advanced software systems for effective implementation of automated systems in vessels. The effective functioning of freestanding navigation system, dynamic positioning system, collision avoidance system, situational awareness system, and route planning are required of robust sensors, backed by effective software systems.

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Commercial segment is projected to expand at a considerable CAGR

On the basis of end-users, the market is bifurcated into commercial and defense. The commercial segment is further divided into bulk carrier & container ships, passenger cruise, tankers, and others; while the defense segment is sub-segmented into submarines, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates. The commercial segment is projected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period owing to growing frequencies of commercial cargo shipments in the sea route. On the other hand, the defense segment is anticipated to account for a major market share during the forecast period due to wide spending from governments toward the establishment of strong marine defense mechanisms.

North America is anticipated to constitute a key market share

In terms of regions, the global autonomous ships market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to constitute a key share of the market during the projected period owing to wide network of sea transport and massive R&D projects for effective unmanned ships in the region. However, the market of Europe is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period owing to several geographical advantages for the region as it has already established a strong route system for sea trade.