Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Communication Systems, Control Systems), By Platform (Commercial, Defense), By End User (OEM, Aftermarket), By Region, By Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 9.83 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.76%
Fastest Growing Segment	Communication Systems
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 15.39 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market will grow from USD 9.83 Billion in 2025 to USD 15.39 Billion by 2031 at a 7.76% CAGR. Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems encompass the integrated electronic networks and hardware architectures designed to manage internal vessel coordination, vessel to shore data transmission, and the automation of critical navigation and propulsion functions. The primary drivers propelling this market include the urgent industry requirement for enhanced operational efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and the stringent regulatory mandates regarding emissions monitoring and maritime safety. Additionally, the accelerating push toward autonomous shipping capabilities necessitates robust control infrastructures and further stimulates demand for advanced system integration.

Despite these growth trajectories, the market faces a significant challenge in the form of cybersecurity vulnerabilities where increased connectivity exposes vessels to malicious digital threats that can compromise safety and operational integrity. This surge in fleet expansion underscores the growing reliance on secure technologies and creates a substantial addressable market for installation. According to BIMCO, in 2024, deliveries of new container ships are expected to hit a new record high of 2.8 million TEU, representing a substantial increase in the volume of vessels requiring sophisticated onboard network installations.

Key Market Drivers

Growing demand for high-bandwidth VSAT and LEO satellite connectivity is fundamentally restructuring the market by enabling vessels to operate with the same digital agility as shore-based offices. The rapid commercial deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations has successfully mitigated historic latency issues, facilitating the real-time transmission of large data sets required for modern vessel management and crew welfare applications. This shift from legacy narrowband systems to high-throughput networks is critical for supporting cloud-based operations and continuous remote monitoring of onboard machinery. The scale of this transition is evident in recent adoption figures; according to Starlink, October 2024, in its annual progress update, the company’s maritime service has connected more than 75,000 vessels globally, reflecting a massive industrial pivot toward low-latency satellite solutions.

Acceleration of maritime digitalization and smart ship adoption further compels market growth as shipowners integrate advanced electronic architectures to optimize fuel efficiency and automate complex decision-making processes. These smart control systems utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT sensors to predict mechanical failures before they occur, thereby reducing operational downtime and maintenance costs. The economic value of this technological integration is expanding rapidly; according to Lloyd's Register, September 2024, in the 'Beyond the Horizon' report, the maritime AI market is now valued at $4.13 billion, driven by the sector's aggressive pursuit of digital efficiency. Furthermore, modern communication infrastructures are vital for maintaining high safety standards; according to Inmarsat Maritime, July 2024, in the 'Future of Maritime Safety Report', distress calls triggered via the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) decreased by 7.6% in 2023, demonstrating the enhanced reliability and effectiveness of contemporary onboard safety networks.

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Key Market Challenges

The expansion of the Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market is significantly impeded by the escalation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in increasingly connected maritime environments. As vessels transition into integrated digital nodes, the convergence of Information Technology and Operational Technology creates expanded attack surfaces for malicious actors. This susceptibility to data breaches and ransomware introduces severe operational risks, ranging from cargo data theft to the potential remote hijacking of critical navigation systems. Consequently, fleet operators exercise caution in adopting highly networked control architectures, fearing that enhanced connectivity equates to diminished security resilience.

This apprehension is grounded in recent industry data reflecting a tangible surge in hostile digital activity. According to DNV, in 2024, 31% of maritime professionals reported that their organizations experienced at least one cyber-attack in the preceding twelve months, a figure that represents a near doubling of incident rates compared to previous years. This rising frequency of incidents forces stakeholders to divert capital toward defensive cyber-hardening measures rather than the expansion of communication bandwidth or control system capabilities. The necessity to mitigate these high-stakes risks creates friction in the adoption of advanced onboard networks, directly hampering the overall market momentum for digital transformation.

Key Market Trends

Implementation of Hybrid and Electric Propulsion Control Architectures is rapidly emerging as a critical trend, fundamentally altering the complexity of onboard power management. As shipowners face tighter environmental regulations, the simple mechanical linkages of the past are being replaced by sophisticated Power Management Systems (PMS) capable of orchestrating dual-fuel engines, battery energy storage, and shaft generators. This transition requires advanced control logic to balance variable power loads and optimize energy distribution in real-time, creating a surge in demand for integrated automation platforms that can handle multi-source propulsion. The scale of this technical migration is substantial; according to DNV, September 2024, in the 'Maritime Forecast to 2050', the global fleet of alternative-fuel-capable vessels is set to almost double between 2024 and 2028, underscoring the massive requirement for next-generation control units adaptable to methanol, ammonia, and hybrid configurations.

Shift Toward Cloud-Based Remote Fleet Management represents a parallel evolution, where control functions are increasingly decoupled from physical proximity to the machinery. This trend moves beyond simple data logging, evolving into active shore-based diagnostics and "power-by-the-hour" operational models where OEMs monitor and adjust system parameters remotely to ensure optimal performance. This connectivity allows for continuous algorithmic tuning of onboard systems, significantly extending asset lifecycles and shifting maintenance from reactive to prescriptive strategies rooted in real-time telemetry. The commercial traction of this model is evident; according to Wartsila, February 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023', approximately 30% of the company's marine and energy installed base is now covered by long-term service agreements, confirming a wide-scale industrial pivot towards digitally integrated, remotely managed control ecosystems.

Segmental Insights

The Communication Systems segment represents the fastest growing area within the Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market. This expansion is largely fueled by the increasing need for reliable ship-to-shore connectivity to support operational monitoring and crew welfare. Furthermore, strict safety standards set by the International Maritime Organization require vessels to maintain consistent transmission capabilities for distress signaling. Consequently, shipping companies are investing in modern satellite and radio technologies to ensure compliance and facilitate digital integration, directly boosting the demand for these essential communication components.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems market, driven largely by extensive defense appropriations and naval modernization initiatives. The United States Navy actively invests in upgrading fleet capabilities with integrated command and control technologies to ensure operational readiness. Additionally, the United States Coast Guard enforces rigorous safety and environmental standards, requiring commercial vessels to install compliant monitoring and communication equipment. This dual demand from defense strategies and strict regulatory frameworks fosters a stable environment for the adoption of onboard marine technologies throughout the region.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Wärtsilä Corporation announced a definitive agreement to divest its Automation, Navigation and Control System (ANCS) business to the Solix Group, a Scandinavian investment firm. The ANCS division, a key player in the global marine onboard communication and control systems market, specialized in integrated navigation systems, dynamic positioning, and sensor technologies. The unit reported annual revenues of nearly €200 million in 2023. The President of Portfolio Business at Wärtsilä stated that the transaction aimed to provide the business with a dedicated owner to drive its independent growth. The divestment was expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
• In November 2024, Intellian Technologies launched its new Compact Flat Panel Series, which included the OW10HM terminal specifically engineered for the maritime sector. This product launch significantly advanced the marine onboard communication systems market by providing vessels with high-speed, low-latency connectivity via the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit network. The maritime terminal was designed with optimized size, weight, and power characteristics to ensure seamless integration on various ship types. The Vice President of ADC Product Management at Intellian Technologies noted that this development offered a critical flat-panel solution that met the rigorous connectivity demands of modern maritime operations.
• In September 2024, Cobham Satcom unveiled two new safety terminals, the SAILOR Fleet C and the SAILOR 7200 GMDSS, at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg. These systems were designed to support the next generation of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) services on Inmarsat and Iridium networks, respectively. By integrating Long-Range Identification and Tracking and Ship Security Alert Systems into single units, this launch addressed the evolving needs of the marine onboard communication market. The Vice President and Product Line Director of Maritime at Cobham Satcom emphasized that these terminals would enhance seafarer safety through advanced features like voice distress alerts.
• In June 2024, Kongsberg Maritime expanded the capabilities of its marine onboard control systems by making its Jet Control System available for the larger S4-series stainless steel waterjets. This upgrade allowed vessels up to 50 meters in length, such as ferries and coastal patrol boats, to benefit from enhanced maneuverability and responsiveness. The system featured a compact design that integrated hydraulic and electronic components to simplify installation for shipyards. The Director of Products for Waterjet Systems at Kongsberg Maritime highlighted that the standardized, factory-calibrated units would streamline commissioning processes and provide operators with improved ergonomic control interfaces on the bridge.

Key Market Players

• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Emerson Electric Co.
• Wartsila Corporation
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• ABB Group
• Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
• Japan Radio Co., Ltd.
• L3harris Technologies, Inc.
• Saab AB
• Honeywell International Inc

By Type	By Platform	By End User	By Region
Communication Systems Control Systems	Commercial Defense	OEM Aftermarket	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market, By Type:

• Communication Systems
• Control Systems

• Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market, By Platform:

• Commercial
• Defense

• Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems Market, By End User:

• OEM
• Aftermarket

• Marine Onboard Communication and Control Systems 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