Market Trends of Unmanned Sea Systems Industry
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) Segment Will Showcase Significant Growth During the Forecast Period
- A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is unmanned and usually tethered to the operator. It is used to collect data about underwater subsea structures or geological formations like hydrothermal vents. It has a remote pilot and automated control technology, which makes it safe and easy to operate. ROVs are often used when diving by humans is either impractical or dangerous, such as working in deep water or investigating submerged hazards. These ROVs are used for various commercial as well as defense applications.
- ROVs are used for ocean exploration and provide HD images and high-definition videos for research and study purposes. These vehicles are fitted with additional equipment such as manipulator arms, water samplers, and others. Key players are focusing on the introduction of advanced technologies in ROVs to improve operational efficiency and thus drive market growth.
- For instance, in July 2022, Oceaneering International Ltd. announced that its Subsea Robotics segment was awarded a multi-year service contract supporting Petrobras projects off the coast of Brazil. Under the contract, the company will provide survey and ROV services for AKOFS Offshore’s subsea equipment. The scope of work includes the provision of two work class ROVs, ROV personnel for simultaneous operations, tooling packages for each ROV, and survey equipment and personnel.
- Also, in June 2021, Deep Trekker, a Canadian-based company, launched a new submersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called the Pivot. It is equipped with six thrusters powered by lithium-ion batteries, which provide high power, stability, enhanced speed, and control. It can be used for various applications such as search and rescue, aquaculture, defense, shipping, and others. Thus, the growing demand for ROVs for numerous applications such as underwater surveys, search and rescue, military, deepwater research, and others boosts the growth of the market.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Asia Pacific is Projected to Show Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
- Asia-Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, majorly due to robust investments from countries like China, India, and Japan into unmanned systems. The navies in the region are investing in developing and procuring advanced unmanned sea systems for anti-submarine warfare and defense surveillance applications. For instance, as a part of the five-year ocean policy, the Japanese government is planning to promote the development of unmanned underwater drones to strengthen maritime security against China's increasing military assertiveness.
- Similarly, the Australian DoD initiated an R&D project worth USD 15 million to assess the design, development, and testing of AUV swarms and autonomous surface vessels for an initial survey of a hostile stretch for mines before the deployment of manned vessels. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025. Various commercial operators in the region also plan to deploy remotely operated and autonomous vehicles for surveying, sea-bed mapping applications, etc.
- In this regard, about 40 Japanese shipping companies aim to have remote-control vessels ply Japanese waters by 2025 using satellites and high-speed fifth-generation wireless networks for communication between shore and ship and AI to help set efficient routes. Technological advancements in unmanned systems may lower the associated costs and drive the adoption of such systems in the region during the forecast period.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
