Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2024 -2030)

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Overview

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are autonomous vehicles designed to operate in diverse and cluttered environments without human intervention, demonstrating highly nonlinear dynamics. As global interest in commercial, scientific, and military applications related to both oceans and shallow waters increases, there is a rising demand for USVs equipped with advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) capabilities. The unmanned surface vehicles market has seen huge growth and development in the past few years, which is driven by advancements in technology, increasing applications across various sectors and the increasing demand for autonomous capabilities in marine operations. The unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) market is expected to be driven by cost efficienc and growing demand across military, commercial, and research sectors.

 

The future development of USVs depends on achieving complete autonomy, allowing them to operate in any unstructured or unpredictable environment without human supervision Achieving this level of autonomy is very challenging, as it requires manufacturing Efficient and reliable USV systems. This includes robust communication infrastructure, optimized hull design, and advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) techniques.

 

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Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Dynamics

Increasing Contribution of Unmanned Surface Vehicles to the Oil and Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are increasingly important for exploration, surveying, and facility surveys. They perform routine maintenance, such as inspecting oil pipelines and filling stations, and deal with emergencies such as oil spills. USVs are equipped with advanced gas detection and thermal scanners, offering a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, operating autonomously in hazardous areas monitoring volcanic columns, monitoring environments environmental hazards and collect detailed information for analysis.

 

Their growing demand in the oil and gas industry is contributing significantly to the growth of the Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market. As machine learning evolves, USVs are expected to not only collect data but also analyze it, and identify potential hazards around oil facilities, thereby increasing operational safety and productivity

 

The offshore oil and gas industry has increasingly adopted unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for asset exploration. Recently TAQA Netherlands and Fugro completed a groundbreaking survey campaign in the Dutch North Sea using the Blue Essence USV and Blue Volta EROV, remotely operated from geographic locations In this exploration project the platform survey two, more than 40 km of piped, multi-beam -Surveys, burial depth surveys, visual inspections and cathodic protection surveys were conducted. Fugro also used the Blue Essence USV to conduct the first-ever remote analysis of an offshore wind farm.

 

Driverless monitoring resulted in a massive 95% reduction in CO2 emissions and required only 5% of the fuel consumption of conventional roads, reduced employee deployments and enhanced safety The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure approved Fugro for the commissioning of the USV Fugro Pegasus to monitor the extensive subsea development of the field. In addition, Sulmara Subsea successfully completed a pipeline survey for Woodside Energy off the coast of Trinidad using a WAM-V 16 USV that improves seaworthiness, further reducing the carbon footprint

 

Technological Advancements Creating Opportunities for the Global Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) represent a breakthrough in marine technology, enabling safer, cost-effective, and autonomous exploration of oceans. With applications in research, defense, and mapping, USVs reduce human risks and operational costs. Their key innovation lies in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems, allowing real-time adjustments in dynamic ocean environments. USVs excel in areas where traditional methods fall short, like long-endurance missions and hazardous conditions. The Unmanned Surface Vehicles market sees varied business models such as Platform-as-a-Service and Service Subscription, catering to academia, research institutions, and governments.

 

The U.S. Navy showcased the Sea Hunter unmanned surface vehicle (USV) during LA Fleet Week from May 22-27, 2024, attracting over 1,600 visitors. The tours provided insights into the USV's deployment and the mission of Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron One. Capt. Matthew Lewis highlighted the importance of USVs in advancing autonomous operations and the Navy's future hybrid fleet, emphasizing Sea Hunter's role in demonstrating cutting-edge naval technology.

 

Ukraine debuted the Magura V5 Unmanned Surface Vehicle at Eurosatory 2024. This 5.5-meter USV is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, and maritime security. With a payload capacity of 320 kg and a range of up to 800 km, it features advanced navigation, LIDAR, thermal imaging, and high-resolution cameras. The modular design supports various payloads, including weapon stations, and incorporates enhanced cybersecurity measures.

 

Saildrone has launched its first next-generation Surveyor-class unmanned surface vehicle (USV), built by Austal USA. Designed for deep-water ocean mapping and maritime defense, the 20-meter, 15-ton USV features an aluminum hull and advanced sensors. It integrates radar, cameras, AIS, and machine learning for situational awareness and can detect non-transmitting vessels. The Surveyor, propelled by a wing sail and diesel generator, supports the U.S. Navy with enhanced ocean mapping and maritime domain awareness missions.

 

Challenging Regulatory and Legal Frameworks for the Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market

The emergence of unmanned maritime vehicles (UMVs), encompassing both Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), has introduced significant legal challenges in the realm of international maritime law. These autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles are employed for diverse purposes ranging from military operations to civilian applications such as maritime research and commercial activities. One of the primary legal challenges associated with UMVs is their ambiguous legal status under current international conventions, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is one of the major challenges for the global Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market.

 

UNCLOS defines traditional maritime vessels and their rights and responsibilities extensively but does not explicitly address UMVs, which operate autonomously or remotely without direct human control. This legal gap complicates issues related to jurisdiction, navigation rights, safety regulations, and environmental protection measures applicable to UMVs. Moreover, UMVs used for military purposes raise additional concerns regarding national security and sovereignty, especially when operating in or near the territorial waters of coastal states. Questions arise over whether these vehicles should be considered as "ships" under UNCLOS, and thus subject to the rights and obligations outlined therein, or if they fall under different legal classifications due to their autonomous nature.

 

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Segment Analysis

Based on Propulsion Type: The market is segmented into Diesel, Electric, Solar and Hybrid. The Diesel segment held the largest Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market share in 2023. The Electric segment is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. The Hybrid segment is also expected to grow during the forecast period. DeepOcean has chartered a new-built unmanned surface vessel (USV) with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system from USV AS. The USV is expected to support subsea inspection, maintenance, repair (IMR), and survey work in offshore renewables and oil & gas industries. Capable of operating offshore for up to 30 days without refueling, it is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 90%. Delivery is expected by the end of 2024, with operations starting in 2025.

Based on Application: The market is segmented into Defense & Security, Commercial, Scientific Research and Others (Recreational & Rescue Operations). The Defense & Security segment held the major Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market share in 2023. Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are primarily used by the military as mobile targets for training and defense system testing. These vessels are powerful, stable, fast, stealthy, and highly maneuverable.

 

They are also employed by mining teams, protection forces, anti-piracy units, anti-terrorism squads, and observation and reconnaissance teams. The Commercial segment is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. USVs also play a crucial role in regulating industries and gathering data for commercial organizations. They assist in tasks such as monitoring fish populations and combating overfishing in commercial sea fishing. Often, they work alongside unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or remote sensing technologies to achieve these objectives.

 

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Regional Insights

North America Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market dominated the global market with the largest share in 2023. In the region, the US is a major for Unmanned Surface Vehicles. Unique Group, headquartered in Canada, has launched two new Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), the Uni-Mini and Uni-Max, expanding their USV fleet. The Uni-Mini is a compact, lightweight vehicle ideal for shallow water surveys, easily operated by two people, and integrates seamlessly with various transducers and GPS systems. The Uni-Max, featuring a Hybrid Power System and advanced engines, excels in remote or challenging terrains. CEO Sahil Gandhi highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and operational efficiency.

 

The Uni-Mini has already proven its market value in Middle Eastern projects. As of June 2024, the U.S. Navy is set to spend nearly $1 billion over five years among 49 companies to develop next-generation unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Announced by Naval Sea Systems Command, the $982.1 million contracts cover payloads, sensors, mission support, autonomy, vehicle control systems, and logistics. Each company receives $1,000 upfront, competing for delivery orders through 2030 to advance the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Family of Systems.

 

Asia Pacific Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market is expected to grow rapidly during the forecast period. In the region, China is a key market for Unmanned Surface Vehicles. Recently, Chinese researchers unveiled the Tianxing-1, claimed to be the world’s highest unmanned vehicle (USV), at the China Maritime Economy Expo and the Marintech China USV, co-sponsored by Harbin Engineering University and Shenzhen Hisibi Boats Co.; and produced, a top speed of 50 knots (92.6 km/h). /hour) and has a hybrid electric-gasoline engine with a length of 12.2 meters, 7.5 tons displacement, with rotary sensors and a possible weapon capability.

 

The Tianxing-1 is designed to provide maritime law enforcement and naval support, surpassing the Royal Navy’s MAST predecessor. This development highlights China’s increasing focus on USVs for missions such as undersea surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

 

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Scope

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market
Market Size in 2023	USD 1.18 Bn.
Market Size in 2030	USD 2.8 Bn.
CAGR (2024-2030)	13.2%
Historic Data	2018-2022
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2030
	By Mode of Operation Autonomous Remotely Operated
	By Size Small (Length < 7 meters) Medium (Length 7-11 meters) Large (Length > 11 meters)
	By Propulsion Type Diesel Electric Solar Hybrid
	By Application Defense & Security Commercial Scientific Research Others (Recreational & Rescue Operations)
Regional Scope	North America- United States, Canada, and Mexico Europe – UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia, and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific – China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, ASEAN, Rest of APAC Middle East and Africa - South Africa, GCC, Egypt, Rest of the Middle East and Africa South America – Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

 

Top Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Players

1. Teledyne Marine [Thousand Oaks, California, USA]
2. Textron Systems [Providence, Rhode Island, USA]
3. Elbit Systems [Haifa, Israel]
4. L3Harris Technologies [Melbourne, Florida, USA]
5. Kongsberg Maritime [Kongsberg, Norway]
6. Atlas Elektronik [Bremen, Germany]
7. ECA Group [La Garde, France]
8. Searobotics Corporation [Stuart, Florida, USA]
9. Deep Ocean Engineering [San Jose, California, USA]
10. QinetiQ Group [Farnborough, Hampshire, UK]
11. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems [Haifa, Israel]
12. Thales Group [Paris, France]
13. EvoLogics GmbH [Berlin, Germany]
14. Exail [Mérignac, France]
15. OceanAlpha [Zhuhai, Guangdong, China]
16. Meteksan Defence Industry Inc. [Ankara, Turkey]
17. Hydronalix [Green Valley, Arizona, USA]
18. CHC Navigation [Shanghai, China]
19. Geosolution i Göteborg AB [Gothenburg, Sweden]