Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) Market Research Report: By Type (Remotely Operated Vehicle, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), Propulsion Type (Electric, Non-Electric), Application (Commercial, Defense, Scientific Research) – Global Industry Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The global unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) market generated ~$4 billion revenue in 2020. The major factors behind the growth of the market are the rising defense spending of countries worldwide and growing demand for seafloor mapping data.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and partial factory closures negatively impacted manufacturing facilities across the globe. As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, companies have taken drastic steps, such as plant closures, to contain it and ensure employees’ safety. Thus, with the sudden imposition of lockdowns, the market for UUVs witnessed a corresponding reduction in the revenue for product and technology providers and raw material suppliers owing to the delays in manufacturing and delivery. Nonetheless, since the last quarter of 2020, the market has started recovering and initiated a growth trend.

Due to Growing Demand, Seafloor Mapping Data and AUVs Category Is Expected To Be Fastest Growing

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUVs) are expected to be the fastest-growing category in the unmanned underwater vehicles market during the forecast period, based on type. Furthermore, the category is expected to retain its dominant position in the upcoming years. This can be ascribed to the wide usage of these platforms in the oil and gas industry to make detailed maps of the seafloor before building the subsea infrastructure. This makes the installation of pipelines and systems easy and cost-effective, with minimal destruction of the environment. 

Due to Rising Number of Commercial Applications, Commercial Category Held Largest Share

The commercial category held the largest share in 2020 in the UUVs market, based on application. This can be mainly attributed to the several commercial applications of UUVs, such as survey and seabed mapping, offshore drilling, pipelining, and cabling.

Increasing Usage of Advanced UUVs Led To Dominance of North America on Market

Geographically, North America was the largest contributor to the unmanned underwater vehicles market, in 2020. This is mainly attributed to the rising use of advanced underwater inspection techniques and increasing need for maritime protection. In addition, the increasing defense spending on advanced unmanned military and navy equipment has further resulted in the growth of the regional market. Moreover, major stakeholders continue to focus on improving the autonomous functions and increasing the battery life of UUVs.

Introduction of Technologically Advanced UUVs Is Key Trend

A wide range of vehicle types and applications, as well as a number of creative approaches to boost the effectiveness of UUVs, have been developed. Battery technology, underwater communication, propulsion systems, and sensor fusion are all examples of components that have undergone technological advancements. UUVs equipped with advanced technologies can conduct underwater surveys for up to two days, since the operators remain on the ground. For instance, underwater vehicle Hugin by Kongsberg Gruppen ASA can operate for up to 100 hours due to its advanced battery technology. Such advancements in the UUV technology can be viewed as a major trend in the unmanned underwater vehicles market.

Rising Defense Spending Is Expected To Further Increase Deployment of UUVs

UUVs play a significant role in naval warfare as they offer significant standoff and clandestine capabilities and have the ability to adapt intelligently to the changes in tactical situations. Their onboard systems are capable of adapting to the mission plan and recognizing changes without the need for intervention by operators. Thus, navy and other departments of defense in several countries are partnering with private players to conduct research and development (R&D) for next-generation UUVs. For instance, in February 2021, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) selected three contractors for a UUV development program, named the Manta Ray Project.

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Market Players Involved in Partnerships to Gain Significant Position

The global unmanned underwater vehicles market is consolidated in nature. Some of the major players in the market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Kongsberg Gruppen, Teledyne Technologies Inc., Oceaneering International Inc., Subsea 7 S.A., Saab AB, The Boeing Company, Fugro, and Oceanserver Technology Inc.

In recent years, players in the UUVs market have been involved in partnerships in order to attain a significant position. For instance:

• In February 2020, Lockheed Martin Corporation was awarded a $12.3-million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for the demonstration of a new series of extra-large UUVs for the DARPA. The proposed UUVs would be capable of long-range, long-duration missions, while carrying a relatively large payload, to reduce reliance on vessels of opportunity and other forms of logistic support in forward-operating environments.
• In December 2019, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a discrete contract agreement with Saab Dynamics for the development of a new self-propelled sea mine prototype. The new naval mine will be completely based on the autonomous underwater vehicle (UAV) technology.

Some Key Players in UUVs Market Are:

Market Size Breakdown by Segments

The unmanned underwater vehicles market report offers comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with market estimation for the period 2015-2030.

Based on Type

• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)

Based on Propulsion Type

• Electric
• Non-Electric

Based on Application

• Commercial
• Defense
• Scientific Research

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific (APAC)
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America (LATAM)
  •  Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  •  Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa

Market Segment Analysis of Countries

• Further breakdown of 16 listed countries will be provided as per below segmentation:
  • By type
  • By propulsion type
  • By application