Global Connected Ships Market By Platform (Ships, Ports), Application (Vessel Traffic Management, Fleet Operation, Fleet Health Monitoring), Installation (Onboard, Onshore), Fit (Line Fit, Retrofit, Hybrid Fit), By Geographic Scope and Forecast

Connected Ships Market Size And Forecast

Connected Ships Market size was valued at USD 7.48 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.2 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.70% from 2024 to 2031.

Connected ships are maritime vessels that use advanced communication technologies to exchange data in real time between ships, ports, and onshore systems. These technologies include satellite communications, Internet of Things sensors, and integrated software platforms.

The primary applications of connected ships are improved fleet management, vessel traffic monitoring, and predictive maintenance.

The scope of connected ships is vast, with advancements in autonomous shipping, enhanced safety protocols, and smarter logistics operations expected to drive continuous innovation and increased demand for efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry.

Global Connected Ships Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the global connected ships market include:

Key Market Drivers:

Increasing Demand for Operational Efficiency: Shipping companies are looking to improve operational efficiency and cut costs by implementing connectivity solutions. In June 2024, Kongsberg Digital recently announced the launch of a new vessel monitoring solution, which aims to improve fleet management and operational performance.

Advancements in Technology: The rapid development of communication technologies, such as IoT and satellite systems, is fueling market growth. For instance, in March 2024, Siemens introduced advanced maritime network solutions that improved onboard and shore-based connectivity capabilities.

Regulatory Requirements and Compliance: Stricter regulations for safety and environmental sustainability are driving investments in connected ship technology. In January 2024, The International Maritime Organization's new emissions control guidelines, announced call for more advanced monitoring and reporting systems.

Growth of Autonomous and Remote-Controlled Ships: The rise of autonomous and remote-controlled shipping technologies is driving the connected ships market. In May 2024, Rolls-Royce received approval for its remote-controlled ship operations technology, highlighting the trend toward increased automation and connectivity in maritime transport.

Key Challenges:

Cybersecurity Risks: Connected ships are vulnerable to cyberattacks because they rely on digital communication networks. Strong cybersecurity measures are critical for protecting sensitive data and avoiding potential disruptions to ship operations.

Integration Complexity: Integrating advanced connectivity technologies into existing ship systems can be difficult and expensive. Seamless integration necessitates overcoming technical challenges and ensuring compatibility with various legacy systems, which can slow deployment.

High Costs: The initial investment needed to install and maintain connectivity solutions on ships is significant. These costs can be prohibitive, especially for smaller shipping companies or older vessels that require retrofitting.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with international maritime regulations and standards for connected vessels can be difficult. Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with various requirements increases the complexity and cost of implementing connected ship technologies.

Key Trends:

Rise of Autonomous Shipping: Self-driving ships are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to advances in AI and automation technologies. These vessels aim to improve operational efficiency and safety by reducing human intervention.

Integration of Internet of Things and Big Data: The use of IoT sensors and big data analytics is growing, providing real-time information about vessel performance, fuel consumption, and maintenance requirements. This trend promotes better decision-making and operational efficiency.

Advances in Satellite Communication: Satellite communication innovations are improving sea connectivity, making data transfer more reliable and faster. Enhanced satellite networks enable real-time communication and navigation.

Focus on Environmental Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on utilizing connected technologies to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. Smart monitoring systems help to optimize fuel usage and reduce emissions, which aligns with global sustainability goals.

Global Connected Ships Market Regional Analysis

Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global connected ships market:

North America:

North America has established itself as the dominant force in the connected ships market, owing to technological advancements, significant investments, and a strong maritime industry. The region's leadership is primarily due to the presence of major players such as Northrop Grumman, General Electric, and Wartsila, which have been at the forefront of developing and implementing cutting-edge vessel connectivity and automation technologies. The United States, in particular, has played a key role in pushing the boundaries of maritime digitalization, with its Navy and Coast Guard pioneering connected ship technologies, accelerating market growth and innovation.

In March 2024, Kongsberg Digital a Norwegian maritime technology company announced that it would significantly expand its North American operations by opening a new office in Houston, Texas, to better serve the region's growing demand for connected ship solutions.

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for connected ships, owing to strong economic growth, increased maritime trade, and significant investments in port infrastructure and digital technologies. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are driving this growth, with their governments and private sectors actively encouraging the use of smart shipping technologies. The region's shipbuilding prowess, particularly in South Korea and China, has also aided the rapid integration of connectivity solutions into newly built vessels. Furthermore, the urgent need to improve operational efficiency and comply with stringent environmental regulations has accelerated the adoption of connected ship technologies throughout the Asia Pacific maritime industry.

In February 2024, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) announced a collaboration with SK Telecom to create a 5G-based remote control navigation platform for vessels. This initiative uses advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. The partnership's goal is to develop autonomous navigation systems capable of safely guiding large commercial vessels to their destinations. A prototype vessel equipped with this technology has already been successfully tested, demonstrating the feasibility of remote-controlled navigation via 5G technology.

Global Connected Ships Market: Segmentation Analysis

The Global Connected Ships Market is segmented on the basis of By Platform, By Application, By Installation, By Fit and By Geography.

Connected Ships Market, By Platform

Ships

Ports

Based on Platform, the Global Connected Ships Market is segmented into Ships, Ports. The ships segment dominates owing to its primary focus being integrating connectivity solutions directly into vessels to improve operational efficiency and real-time data management. The ports segment is the fastest-growing, driven by the growing demand for advanced port infrastructure to support and manage the connectivity of incoming and outgoing ships, thereby improving logistics and port operations.

Connected Ships Market, By Application

Vessel Traffic Management

Fleet Operation

Fleet Health Monitoring

Based on Application, the Global Connected Ships Market is segmented into Vessel Traffic Management, Fleet Operation, and Fleet Health Monitoring. The fleet operation segment is dominant as it involves the overall management and optimization of ship operations, such as navigation and route planning. The fleet health monitoring segment is expanding at the fastest rate, thanks to a growing emphasis on predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to prevent equipment failures and reduce operational downtime.

Connected Ships Market, By Installation

Onboard

Onshore

Based on Installation, the Global Connected Ships Market is segmented into Onboard and Onshore. The onboard installation segment is dominant as it includes the integration of connectivity solutions within the vessel, which is critical for real-time data monitoring and management. The onshore installation segment is expanding at the fastest rate, driven by the growing demand for strong shore-based infrastructure to support and manage the connectivity of an increasing number of connected ships from port facilities and remote locations.

Connected Ships Market, By Fit

Line Fit

Retrofit

Hybrid Fit

Based on Fit, the Global Connected Ships Market is segmented into Line Fit, Retrofit, and Hybrid Fit. The line fit segment is dominant because it involves integrating connectivity solutions during the ship's initial construction, resulting in seamless integration and lower retrofit costs. The retrofit segment is the fastest-growing, owing to the growing need to upgrade existing fleets with modern connectivity technologies in order to improve operational efficiency and comply with regulatory requirements.

Connected Ships Market, By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of the World

Based on the Geography, the Global Connected Ships Market are classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America is the dominant region due to its advanced maritime infrastructure, widespread adoption of technological innovations, and the presence of major maritime companies. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by rapid industrialization, increased maritime trade, and significant investments in smart shipping technologies in major shipping hubs such as China and Japan.

Key Players

The "Global Connected Ships Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are ABB, Emerson Electric Co., Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Wartsila Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Electric Company, Marlink AS, Siemens AG, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Rolls-Royce plc.

Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.

• Global Connected Ships Market: Recent Developments
• In July 2024, ABB has introduced a new integrated ship control system that aims to improve maritime vessel connectivity and operational efficiency. This system enables real-time monitoring and management of ship systems, which improves safety and lowers operational costs.
• In April 2024, IBM and Wartsila have announced a collaboration to create smart shipping solutions using IBM's AI and cloud technologies. The collaboration aims to improve vessel connectivity, optimize fuel consumption, and increase overall operational efficiency.
• In January 2024, Daimler Trucks and Volvo Group have announced a collaboration to develop connected fleet technologies for shipping and logistics. The partnership intends to combine advanced telematics and connectivity solutions to improve fleet management and operational efficiency.