Connected Ship Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Ship Type (Commercial, Defense), By Application Type (Vessel Traffic Management, Fleet Operations, Fleet Health Monitoring), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.92 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.52%
Fastest Growing Segment	Commercial
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 9.02 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Connected Ship Market will grow from USD 6.92 Billion in 2025 to USD 9.02 Billion by 2031 at a 4.52% CAGR. Connected ships are vessels equipped with satellite communication systems and onboard sensors that enable instant data exchange between the vessel and onshore operations. This connectivity facilitates remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced fleet management. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the imperative for operational efficiency to lower fuel costs and the increasing stringency of environmental regulations requiring precise emissions reporting. According to BIMCO, in 2024, a survey indicated that only 36% of port calls offered fully electronic exchange of data.

One significant challenge impeding market expansion is the escalating threat of cybersecurity breaches. As ships become more integrated into digital networks, they become attractive targets for cyberattacks that can compromise navigation systems or operational technology. The high cost and complexity of implementing robust cyber defense measures remain a substantial barrier for many ship operators attempting to digitize their fleets.

Key Market Drivers

Implementation of Stringent Environmental and Maritime Safety Regulations acts as the foremost catalyst for the adoption of connected ship technologies. As regulatory bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union enforce rigorous decarbonization mandates, ship operators are compelled to deploy sophisticated monitoring systems to track Carbon Intensity Indicators (CII) and manage compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System. This regulatory pressure necessitates continuous data collection and ship-to-shore reporting mechanisms that can only be supported by robust connectivity. According to DNV, August 2024, in the 'Maritime Forecast to 2050', the number of vessels capable of using alternative fuels is set to almost double between 2024 and 2028, a transition that requires advanced digital platforms to manage the operational complexity of these new propulsion systems.

Advancements in High-Throughput Satellite Communication and LEO Networks are concurrently dismantling the technical and financial barriers to full fleet digitization. The rapid deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations offers low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity, enabling real-time data transfer for applications ranging from remote diagnostics to crew welfare. This shift allows operators to treat vessels as remote offices, facilitating the integration of cloud-based fleet management software that was previously impractical. According to Inmarsat Maritime, May 2024, in the 'Digital Wave' report, 89% of seafarers surveyed now rely on connectivity for both work and leisure functions, underscoring the critical operational and social necessity of these networks. This demand is further amplified by commercial expectations; according to the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), in 2024, 90% of cargo owners stated they are prepared to adopt digital solutions, pressuring shipping lines to upgrade their connectivity infrastructure to ensure supply chain transparency.

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Key Market Challenges

The escalating threat of cybersecurity breaches stands as a formidable barrier impeding the expansion of the Global Connected Ship Market. As vessels integrate into broader digital networks to facilitate remote monitoring, they inadvertently expose critical Operational Technology (OT) to malicious external actors. This vulnerability creates deep reluctance among ship operators to fully digitize their fleets, as connecting navigation and propulsion systems to the internet introduces the risk of remote hijacking or system paralysis. The complexity and high cost associated with securing these floating assets against sophisticated digital intrusions act as a significant deterrent, causing stakeholders to delay the adoption of connected technologies despite the potential for operational efficiency.

The severity of this issue is underscored by the increasing frequency of security incidents within the sector. According to DNV, in 2024, research indicated that 31% of maritime professionals reported experiencing at least one cyber-attack in the twelve months prior to October. This statistic illustrates a volatile security environment where the risks of data theft and operational disruption are tangible and rising. Consequently, the fear of financial and reputational damage drives a cautious approach to market adoption, directly slowing the growth momentum of connected shipping solutions.

Key Market Trends

The Implementation of AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance Systems is fundamentally reshaping vessel operations by transitioning maintenance strategies from reactive repairs to proactive asset management. Ship operators are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze vast streams of sensor data to detect anomalies and forecast equipment failures before they occur, thereby minimizing costly downtime and extending machinery lifespans. This technological shift is rapidly gaining commercial traction as stakeholders seek to leverage data for tangible operational value. According to Lloyd's Register, September 2024, in the 'Beyond the Horizon' report, the maritime AI market has experienced explosive growth, reaching a valuation of USD 4.13 billion as operators aggressively integrate these intelligent systems to enhance fleet reliability.

Concurrently, the Expansion of Smart Port-to-Ship Digital Ecosystems is streamlining global logistics through the interoperability of trade documentation and the removal of administrative friction. This trend is characterized by the digitization of critical shipping documents, such as the bill of lading, creating a seamless digital handshake between vessels, ports, and cargo owners that accelerates clearance processes and improves supply chain visibility. The industry is witnessing a measurable surge in the uptake of these digital instruments as legacy paper-based workflows are dismantled. According to the International Chamber of Commerce, December 2024, in the '2024 eBL Survey', 49.2% of respondents indicated they now use electronic bills of lading in some capacity, signaling a major pivot towards a fully interconnected maritime digital trade network.

Segmental Insights

The Commercial segment is projected to register the fastest growth within the Global Connected Ship Market due to the escalating demand for operational efficiency and integrated fleet management. Shipping companies are increasingly utilizing connected systems to optimize voyage planning and reduce fuel consumption, which directly lowers operational expenditures. Furthermore, stringent mandates established by the International Maritime Organization regarding environmental emissions and maritime safety are driving operators to adopt digital monitoring solutions. This regulatory pressure to ensure compliance and enhance cargo security creates a sustained demand for connectivity across bulk carriers, tankers, and container vessels.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Connected Ship Market, driven primarily by extensive fleet modernization and high technology adoption in the United States. The region prioritizes the integration of satellite communication, Internet of Things, and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and navigation. This dominance is reinforced by strict safety and cybersecurity mandates from the U.S. Coast Guard, which compel operators to adopt reliable connectivity solutions for compliance and situational awareness. Additionally, the strong presence of major technology providers facilitates the rapid deployment of these digital systems across commercial and defense vessels, securing the region's position as a global hub for maritime innovation.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Marlink concluded an agreement with Solstad Offshore to renew and expand its connectivity partnership for the company's fleet of specialized vessels. Under the terms of the collaboration, the shipping operator adopted a hybrid network solution that combines Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services with guaranteed Geostationary (GEO) VSAT and backup systems. This digital infrastructure is designed to support high-throughput applications, cloud computing, and remote operations, ensuring reliable connectivity for both business-critical tasks and crew welfare. The deal underscores the increasing reliance on hybrid satellite constellations to maintain continuous connectivity in the offshore energy sector.
• In January 2025, Kongsberg announced a strategic restructuring to integrate its digital maritime operations directly into Kongsberg Maritime. The initiative involved transferring a significant number of employees and consolidating digital products, such as vessel-to-cloud infrastructure and fleet management software, with the company's broader marine equipment portfolio. This move was aimed at creating a more unified offering to support the industry's transition toward decarbonization and digitalization. By combining hardware and digital solutions, the company intends to enhance its ability to deliver comprehensive connected ship systems to global operators.
• In November 2024, Samsung Heavy Industries unveiled "SHIFT-Auto," a fully autonomous research vessel, during a launch ceremony held in South Korea. The 12-passenger catamaran features advanced autonomous navigation systems and integrates an Internet of Things (IoT) platform to manage real-time data collection and analysis. Designed to perform mission-based operations such as automatic docking and undocking without human intervention, the vessel serves as a testbed for future crewless maritime technologies. The project demonstrates a significant step forward in the practical application of automation and digital connectivity within the maritime sector.
• In May 2024, Inmarsat Maritime launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service designed to support the increasing digitalization of the global shipping industry. The new solution integrates multiple high-speed networks, including Global Xpress Ka-band, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services, and coastal LTE, into a unified bonded connection for seamless ship-to-shore communication. By delivering enterprise-grade security and resilient bandwidth, the service aims to transform vessels into floating offices and improve crew welfare. This development addresses the growing demand for reliable data transmission and real-time vessel performance monitoring in the connected ship market.

Key Market Players

• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• General Electric Company
• Wärtsilä Corporation
• Kongsberg Gruppen
• The Marlink Group
• Synectics plc
• Atos SE
• Viasat, Inc.
• Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
• Honeywell International Inc.

By Ship Type	By Application Type	By Region
Commercial Defense	Vessel Traffic Management Fleet Operations Fleet Health Monitoring	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Connected Ship Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Connected Ship Market, By Ship Type:

• Commercial
• Defense

• Connected Ship Market, By Application Type:

• Vessel Traffic Management
• Fleet Operations
• Fleet Health Monitoring

• Connected Ship Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE