Underwater Sensors Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Sensor Type (Pressure Sensor, Acoustic Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Radar Sensor, Motion Sensor, Sonar, and Others), By Connectivity (Wired and Wireless), By Application (Surveillance & Monitoring, Target Recognition, Climate Recording, Pollution Control, and Others), By End-user (Aquaculture, Military & Defense (Submarines), Oil & Gas Sector, Oceanic Research, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024 – 2032

The global underwater sensors market size was valued at USD 1.26 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.34 billion in 2024 to USD 2.30 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.

Sensors are small devices that are utilized in a variety of ship types to monitor the environment and collect real-time data. These devices come in several forms and have abundant uses. An underwater sensor is employed for measuring pressure, flow rates, temperature, acceleration, inclination, and other purposes.

Furthermore, underwater sensors are designed to be rugged to withstand harsh conditions and are essential in enhancing a ship's performance and assessing the reliability of marine vessels. Moreover, these sensors aid in improving the performance capabilities of naval vessels, ships, and other boats, as well as analyzing real-time data of the components in their applications.

Factors, such as an increase in technological advancements, including improved sensor capabilities and communication systems, demand for underwater monitoring in military & defense, environmental monitoring applications, rising concerns about maritime security, marine pollution, and climate change, and growing demand for underwater and marine sensors across the Asian markets are positively influencing the overall market growth.

Moreover, waste across the oceanic belt is also driving the adoption of sensors globally. The marine environment and ecosystems are seriously threatened by plastic waste, such as bottles, bags, or microplastics. It is estimated that more than 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. In Asia, the Philippines leads the list of countries contributing to ocean plastic pollution. Therefore, rising concerns about marine pollution are driving the adoption of underwater and marine sensors for enhanced surveillance and environmental protection. The table below showcases the top countries with the highest ocean pollution from plastics.

To highlight the COVID-19 impact on the market, both positive and negative scenarios were witnessed. Factors such as technological advancements, adoption of digital and data solutions, and increased focus on environmental monitoring and research operations positively influenced the market. However, supply chain disruptions and a lack of skilled professionals negatively impacted the overall market.

IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI

Integration of Generative AI with Underwater Sensors offers an Opportunity to Create a Revolution in the Market

Underwater sensors play a crucial role in monitoring oceanic environments and detecting changes in water temperature, salinity, pressure, and more. Integrating generative AI with these sensors could enhance data analysis capabilities, potentially predicting environmental trends or identifying anomalies in real-time.

Generative AI could be used with sensor technologies for tasks, including generating synthetic data to augment limited real-world data for training models or for simulating underwater environments to test sensor performance in various conditions. Generative AI's capability to create complex and massive data aids in simulating real-world applications and ensures that underwater and marine sensors are ideal for several scenarios and user interactions. Hence, various countries are collaborating to introduce generative AI capabilities for underwater sensors. For instance,

• In December 2023, the U.K., the U.S., and Australia agreed to use advanced AI algorithms on several systems, with P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, for processing each nation's sonobuoy as part of this latest round of negotiations. The three countries' defense leaders have also stated that they are providing advanced and autonomous artificial intelligence. The system includes AI algorithms and ML to improve precision targeting, force protection, surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance. The need for allies to remain at the cutting edge of technology is reinforced by increased defense spending on mutually beneficial capabilities, including USD 25.0 million for the AUKUS Innovation Initiative.

The integration of generative AI with marine sensors offers an opportunity to create a revolution in this market by enabling faster, more accurate simulations that can unlock new capabilities across different areas.

Underwater Sensors Market Trends

Rising Military & Defense Spending Across the Globe Positively Influences Market Growth

The substantial rise in world defense expenditures is due to security concerns, concerns about contested areas and threats. The military is using AUVs, UUVs, and ROVs for mine countermeasures, rapid environmental assessments, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, harbor protection and port clearance operations, and antisubmarine warfare. Consequently, to combat the risks of submarine security, these vehicles are expected to be used more frequently over the years ahead. A key trend for this market is the expected strong demand for reliable, fast, and secure communication in homeland security and defense. To ensure reliable and secure communication, organizations increasingly use sensor-based acoustic communication solutions from maritime defense systems.

In 2023, the total world expenditure on armed forces reached USD 2,443.0 billion, an increase of 6.8% in actual terms compared with 2022, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Therefore, rising defense spending across the globe is a key trend that is accelerating market growth.

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Underwater Sensors Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand for AUVs and ROVs in Several Marine Applications to Fuel Market Expansion

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) can be equipped with a variety of underwater sensors to help them carry out tasks related to their missions, such as mapping, navigation, or environmental monitoring. AUVs and ROVs may increase operational safety, reduce the ecological impact of monitoring activities, and decrease the number of staff needed to operate at sea. Their usefulness and ability within the military community have been enhanced by advances in technology in AUVs and ROVs.

Various government initiatives are launched as businesses realize the importance of underwater and marine sensors in AUVs and ROVs. For instance,

In May 2023, Innovate UK and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced that they had funded USD 1.5 million to develop key technologies and capabilities enabling more efficient monitoring of marine natural capital assets.

Thus, rising demand for AUVs and ROVs in several marine applications is driving the adoption of underwater sensors in the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Difficulty in Deploying and Retrieving Sensors in Harsh Underwater Environments May Hamper Market Growth

The global market is hampered by the development of sensors that can resist corrosive and harsh underwater environments due to its difficult and costly task. The underwater environment is harsh and corrosive due to several factors, such as the temperature of seawater can fluctuate extensively, the high pressure of seawater, the high salinity of seawater that can corrode sensors, and biofouling, which can hinder the underwater sensors market growth.

Moreover, due to high implementation costs and technical challenges, underwater sensor deployment is a major challenge, particularly for small enterprises. Elements such as software permits, hardware investments, and staff training costs are part of the initial financial commitment needed to adopt underwater sensors.

Underwater Sensors Market Segmentation Analysis

By Sensor Type Analysis

Acoustic Sensors Leads with its Increasing Adoption over Other Types of Sensors

By sensor type, the market is divided into pressure sensor, acoustic sensor, proximity sensor, radar sensor, motion sensor, sonar, and others. The other sensor types include flow sensor, level sensor, and image sensor. In 2023, the acoustic sensor segment held the highest market share owing to its increasing popularity among end users. In recent years, acoustic sensors have been majorly used for tasks such as the detection of underwater obstacles or objects, ocean navigation, studying oceanographic phenomena, and monitoring marine life and ecosystems. Besides, several engagements in the market are focused on catering to the growing demand for acoustic sensors. For instance,

• May 2023: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and scientists from the DRDO collaborated with the objective of developing a Piezoelectric MEMS technology sensor for underwater communications. This type of sensor is majorly used across defense applications, majorly in the naval forces.

However, in the coming years, sonars are expected to grow with the highest CAGR. Sonar technology is adopted across several sectors, such as commercial, defense, and other exploration activities.

By Connectivity Analysis

Wireless Sensors’ Increased Implementation by End-Users Results in its Dominance

By connectivity, the market is classified into wired and wireless. In 2023, the wireless segment held the largest market share and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Companies have been tapping the increasing demand for wireless sensors by launching advanced sensor solutions. For instance,

• March 2024: Neil Brown Ocean Sensors introduced an integrated conductivity, temperature, and depth sensor to revolutionize underwater data collection projects. The sensor has been specifically developed for smaller unmanned underwater vehicles to be used in numerous industries.

The wired sensors segment is expected to grow steadily owing to the demand for traditional market-related systems.

By Application Analysis

Surveillance & Monitoring Systems Gain Market Prominence Driven by its Advanced Underwater Sensor Solutions

By application, the market is segmented into surveillance & monitoring, target recognition, climate recording, pollution control, and others. The other applications include fuel and propulsion system. In 2023, the surveillance & monitoring segment held the highest market share owing to the increasing demand for surveillance & monitoring systems with advanced underwater sensor solutions. Underwater sensing and detection technologies have several use cases, such as charting undersea terrain, the study of marine ecosystems, monitoring and identification of subsurface infrastructure, and supporting defense operations such as the detection of submarines and other underwater targets. The increasing demand is accelerated due to its improved performance and more energy-efficient properties. Moreover, there is an increasing demand for such systems in extreme environments such as the Arctic. The market is also witnessing accelerating demand for undersea surveillance systems across the Asian markets. For instance,

• November 2023: ThayerMahan completed its strategic partnership with Saab Australia with the aim of tapping the opportunities of strengthening Australia's sovereign undersea warfare expertise. The company reported receiving heavy demand for undersea surveillance systems from the Asian markets in recent years. This partnership enhances the integration of autonomous and robotic systems with surveillance abilities that provide persistent underwater surveillance to protect Australia's underwater assets, borders, and seas.

However, climate recording use cases are expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the coming years as the sensors help end-users track changes in climate and oceanic changes. It is anticipated that the demand for enhanced sensor technology to monitor climate change will grow substantially.

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By End-user Analysis

Demand for Underwater Sensor Technology across the Military & Defense Sector Propelled Segment Growth

By end-user, the market is separated into aquaculture, military & defense (submarines), oil & gas sector, oceanic research, and others. The other end-users include healthcare and marine institutions. In 2023, the military & defense (submarines) segment held the highest market share as the demand for underwater sensor technology across the sector has grown significantly. Sensors are an important part of submarines to help in surveillance, communication, defense, and navigation operations.

However, in the coming years, end-users across oceanic research are expected to showcase an increasing inclination to adopt underwater sensors. Oceanic research end-users are expected to grow at the highest CAGR of over 9.1% during the forecast period. Several research projects lining up indicate the growing trajectory of the segment in the coming years.

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The above chart showcases the total number of scientific manuscripts for various applications in the research field related to the marine industry. Sensors are the term most used by researchers, followed by remote sensing.          

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Globally, the report was studied across the following regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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North America held the highest underwater sensors market share in 2023. The regional market has a mature oil and gas sector, with substantial offshore initiatives taking place in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to safety regulations and the need for asset integrity, there have been major investments in underwater monitoring systems in the region. For instance,

• In January 2024, Canada’s cultural resource management firm, Parks Canada, completed its archaeological exploration study at the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site in Nunavut. The research period lasted for twelve days and resulted in the collection of fascinating artifacts and thousands of high-quality images.

Thus, several factors, such as an increase in the use of underwater communication for naval defense, a rise in the number of autonomous underwater vehicles, and a growing demand for scientific exploration and data collection, are contributing to the positive growth of the regional market.

Asia Pacific is expected to showcase the highest growth rate during the forecast period, fueled by the engagement of growing economies in the market across the region. China, Japan, South Korea, and India have a strong focus on acquiring advanced sensors for their naval platforms, including ships, submarines, and other vessels. Furthermore, the increasing investments in maritime infrastructure and operations are driving the demand for underwater sensors throughout the region. For instance,

• In April 2023, India initiated a development project for an Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. The Indian Navy aims to acquire up to 12 XLUUVs, and the prototype is anticipated to be ready by 2025. The platform is intended to perform various roles, such as reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, anti-submarine, mine warfare, and anti-surface.

Europe is expected to showcase steady growth over the projected period as a result of the increasing demand for advanced sensor applications in naval threat protection, surveillance, and other applications. The Royal Navy in the U.K. is working on developing a variety of fully autonomous systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, underwater data collection, discreet payload delivery, and recovery of remote automated sensors are driving the adoption of vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles across the region. These activities contribute to the growth of the regional underwater sensors market.

The Middle East & Africa holds a lesser market share compared to other regions in the market in 2023. However, during the forecast period, the regional market is expected to showcase a healthy future related to the adoption of marine sensors. The region has an abundance of offshore oil and gas reserves, further motivating regional businesses to safeguard and supervise valuable assets and infrastructure in tough and demanding surroundings.

The market in South America is expected to grow at a healthy growth rate owing to the increasing governmental interest in adopting underwater sensors, which is mainly to create a secure marine ecosystem across the region.

List of Key Companies in Underwater Sensors Market

Collaborating with Related Market Players is a Top Priority of Players Operating in the Market

Key players follow a key business strategy of acquiring and collaborating with related or small-scale market experts. These players adopt this strategy with the aim of expanding their team member count, product expertise, and their market positions. Along with this, top players have been enriching their distributor and reseller ecosystem to make advancements in their global reach. Moreover, leading players are launching new and enhanced sensors with improved features to cater to end-users evolving requirements.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Amphenol Corporation (U.S.)


• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. (U.S.)


• Meteksan Defence Industry Inc. (Turkey)


• Seatools B.V. (Netherlands)


• Impact Subsea Ltd. (U.K.)


• Covelya Group Limited (U.K.)


• Gill Sensors & Controls Limited (U.K.)


• Standex International Corp (U.S.)


• Massa Products Corporation (U.S.)


• Holykell Sensor Inc. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2024: Teledyne agreed to acquire Valeport Holdings Limited and its affiliates. The acquired company is based in Totnes, U.K., and it specializes in providing market-related sensors for energy, environmental, construction, and defense use cases. The suite of complementary sensors includes current and flow meters, sound velocity probes, and depth, conductivity, and temperature sensors. Teledyne expects that Valeport's addition to Teledyne Marine will have a positive impact on its technological offerings and also expand its technological expertise.


• January 2024: Amphenol Corporation completed the acquisition of AIRMAR Technology Corp., specializing in ultrasonic transducers and Chirp technology. AIRMAR will be incorporated under the company’s interconnect and sensor systems business segment. With this, it has become a part of various other sensor and interconnect markets, and it will continue to maintain its headquarters in Milford, New Hampshire.


• March 2022: Standex International Corp. completed the acquisition of Sensor Solutions based in Colorado for over USD 9.7 million. With this acquisition, the company expects to expand its capabilities and end-users across industrial automation, electric vehicles, and medical sectors. Sensor Solutions develops and markets standard and custom-made magnetic and Hall Effect sensor tools, including linear and rotary Hall switch and latching, as well as specialty sensors. These products are focused on marketing to a wide range of customers in the industrial, automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, and military sectors.


• August 2021: With the approach of "Turkey's Underwater CoE," Meteksan Defence Industry Inc. was selected by the Defence Industries Presidency of the Turkey Republic to share its sonar expertise for surface-to-submarine systems.


• April 2021: Amphenol Corporation acquired MTS Systems Corporation and expected that its sensors business would add over USD 350 million in sales after the end of the year after closing. With this acquisition, these companies have a combined strength and expertise of highly complementary sensor product portfolios and an expanded customer base.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report covers all factors that have directly or indirectly affected the overall market growth. The factors include key market players, product types, their investments in new sensor technology, and their prominent use cases. In addition, the report also provides its readers with an overview of recent market trends and high points of the market’s recent advances.

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Report Scope & Segmentation