Maritime Security Market –Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Systems (Screening and Scanning, Communications, Surveillance and Tracking), By Type (Port and Critical Infrastructure Security, Vessel Security, Coastal Security), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 33.53 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.97%
Fastest Growing Segment	Port and Critical Infrastructure Security
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 47.48 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Maritime Security Market will grow from USD 33.53 Billion in 2025 to USD 47.48 Billion by 2031 at a 5.97% CAGR. Maritime security encompasses the protection of vessels, ports, and offshore infrastructure against threats such as piracy, terrorism, and illicit trafficking through surveillance, risk assessment, and defensive measures. The market is primarily propelled by the escalating necessity to safeguard global supply chains and the rising volume of international seaborne trade which demands robust defensive protocols to ensure operational continuity. Furthermore, the persistence of maritime crimes continues to necessitate advanced security investments to mitigate risks to crew and cargo. According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau, in 2024, 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported globally, underscoring the sustained risk levels that drive the procurement of protective technologies.

Despite these positive growth factors, the market faces a significant impediment regarding the substantial financial outlay required for deploying comprehensive security systems. The high installation and maintenance costs associated with modern surveillance networks and cybersecurity solutions can be prohibitive for smaller shipping operators and port authorities with limited budgets. This financial burden often delays the adoption of integrated security architectures and upgrades, thereby slowing the overall expansion of the global maritime security sector.

Key Market Drivers

Escalating Geopolitical Tensions and Territorial Disputes are fundamentally reshaping the global maritime security landscape, compelling stakeholders to fortify assets against kinetic and asymmetric threats. The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea and instability in key chokepoints have forced operators to adopt advanced threat detection and hardening measures to protect vessels and crew. These regional conflicts disrupt traditional shipping routes, creating a volatile environment where security investments are no longer optional but critical for insurance compliance and operational viability. According to the International Monetary Fund, March 2024, in the 'Red Sea Attacks Disrupt Global Trade' article, the volume of trade passing through the Suez Canal dropped by 50 percent year-over-year in the first two months of 2024 due to these security threats, underscoring the severe operational impact of regional instability on the industry.

Concurrently, the Rise in Sophisticated Cyber Threats and Digital Sabotage has emerged as a critical vulnerability as the industry accelerates its digital transformation. As ships and ports become increasingly interconnected through operational and information technology systems, they face a heightened risk of ransomware, data breaches, and system seizures that can paralyze global logistics. According to DNV, November 2024, in the 'Maritime Cyber Priority 2024/25' report, 31 percent of maritime professionals reported experiencing at least one cyber-attack in the preceding 12 months, a sharp increase that is driving urgent demand for robust cybersecurity protocols. To counter these diverse physical and digital risks, governments are also stepping up their financial support for infrastructure hardening. For instance, according to FEMA, in 2024, the agency allocated $90 million through the Port Security Grant Program to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism and enhance maritime domain awareness.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

The substantial financial outlay required for deploying comprehensive security systems constitutes a significant barrier to the Global Maritime Security Market. Implementing modern surveillance networks and cybersecurity frameworks demands high initial capital and incurs continuous maintenance expenses. This economic burden is particularly prohibitive for smaller shipping operators and port authorities operating with restricted budgets, often compelling them to defer essential upgrades or rely on outdated infrastructure. Consequently, the market experiences a fragmented adoption of critical defensive technologies, leaving segments of the global supply chain vulnerable to evolving threats.

This financial strain is further exacerbated by the rising costs associated with digital defense strategies. According to DNV, in 2024, 73% of maritime professionals reported that their organization increased cybersecurity spending compared to the previous year. Such escalating expenses limit the broader implementation of integrated security architectures, as organizations are often forced to prioritize immediate operational liquidity over long-term defensive investments. This trend directly hampers the sector's growth potential by slowing the rate at which standard security protocols are adopted across the global fleet.

Key Market Trends

The rapid adoption of unmanned surveillance systems is fundamentally altering maritime security operations by enabling continuous, remote patrolling of coastlines and offshore assets without risking personnel. Defense organizations are increasingly utilizing Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and aerial drones to establish persistent monitoring grids that offer superior coverage compared to traditional manned patrols. This strategic pivot toward autonomous capabilities is being accelerated by major government funding programs designed to scale production. According to DefenseScoop, May 2024, in the 'Pentagon secures $500M for first tranche of Replicator systems' article, the U.S. Department of Defense secured approximately $500 million in fiscal year 2024 funding to accelerate the fielding of thousands of autonomous systems, underscoring the significant financial commitment driving this trend.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of smart sensors and IoT connectivity is facilitating the "Smart Port" evolution, where hyper-connected environments provide granular, real-time situational awareness for security teams. Port authorities are mass-deploying internet-connected sensors on containers, cranes, and perimeter fences to automatically detect anomalies and streamline emergency responses through data integration. This transition to digitized infrastructure is supported by substantial public sector investments aimed at modernizing critical trade hubs. According to the European Commission, July 2024, in the 'EU invests record €7 billion in sustainable, safe and smart transport infrastructure' press release, the commission allocated over €7 billion in grants to support 134 transport projects, including initiatives to upgrade maritime ports with advanced safety and smart technology systems.

Segmental Insights

The Port and Critical Infrastructure Security segment represents the fastest-growing category within the global maritime security market due to the escalating volume of international seaborne trade and the subsequent need for heightened surveillance. This expansion is heavily influenced by strict adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code established by the International Maritime Organization, which mandates rigorous protective measures for port facilities. Furthermore, the rising integration of automation in port operations necessitates stronger cybersecurity protocols to protect operational technology, compelling operators to invest in comprehensive physical and digital security solutions.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the maritime security market, driven by substantial international trade volumes and stringent regulatory frameworks. The region prioritizes the protection of critical port infrastructure and coastal borders against security threats. Agencies such as the United States Coast Guard enforce rigorous compliance standards, necessitating the deployment of integrated surveillance and communication systems. Additionally, the United States Department of Homeland Security actively funds initiatives to strengthen maritime domain awareness. This combination of government enforcement, strategic trade interests, and continuous investment in safety measures secures North America’s dominance in the global landscape.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed a contract worth more than EUR 100 million with the Danish Ministry of Defence to supply the Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System. This acquisition was intended to bolster Denmark's sea denial capabilities and protect critical infrastructure across the Baltic and North Sea regions. The system, which includes mobile launch vehicles and a fire control center, was designed to integrate with existing command and control architectures, providing a mobile and precise anti-ship capability. This agreement marked a qualitative shift in the country's approach to coastal security, enabling effective engagement of high-value naval targets at long ranges and reinforcing the strategic defense posture along NATO's northern flank.
• In March 2025, Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems were jointly awarded a contract to supply a comprehensive naval protection suite to several NATO member countries. The deal involved the delivery of the Naval Decoy Control & Launching System to equip new frigates, enhancing their defense against sophisticated anti-ship missiles. The integrated solution featured a stabilized and trainable launching mechanism capable of deploying various decoy countermeasures to neutralize simultaneous threats. This cooperation between the two defense companies provided a fourth-generation soft-kill capability, ensuring high situational awareness and survivability for naval vessels operating in complex maritime environments. The project was scheduled to be executed over a four-year period, reflecting the growing demand for advanced electronic warfare solutions at sea.
• In November 2024, Saab signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency to deepen their collaboration on underwater technologies. This agreement, finalized during a high-level business forum, built upon a previous partnership focused on supportability and smart technologies. The widened scope aimed to co-develop advanced solutions for maritime security and resilience, specifically addressing the challenges of the underwater domain. By combining the company's industrial expertise with the agency's technological requirements, the collaboration sought to explore operational concepts and delivering innovative systems. This development highlighted a mutual commitment to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure and positioning both entities at the forefront of naval defense innovation.
• In February 2024, Thales secured a significant contract worth £1.8 billion with the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence to enhance the availability and resilience of the Royal Navy's fleet. Under this fifteen-year agreement, known as the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) contract, the company committed to providing long-term support for essential equipment including sonars, masts, periscopes, and electronic warfare systems. The initiative aimed to utilize data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence to predict maintenance issues and reduce repair turnaround times. This strategic collaboration was designed to maximize the days at sea for naval vessels and modernize dockland facilities, thereby strengthening the nation's maritime security capabilities in an increasingly unstable global landscape.

Key Market Players

• SAAB AB
• Thales SA
• Leonardo S.p.A
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Airbus SE
• BAE Systems Inc.
• Terma A/S
• Westminster Group Plc
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Smiths Group plc

By Systems	By Type	By Region
Screening and Scanning Communications Surveillance and Tracking	Port and Critical Infrastructure Security Vessel Security Coastal Security	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Maritime Security Market, By Systems:

• Screening and Scanning
• Communications
• Surveillance and Tracking

• Maritime Security Market, By Type:

• Port and Critical Infrastructure Security
• Vessel Security
• Coastal Security

• Maritime Security 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