Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Size

Global Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Overview

Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Size was valued at USD 2.2 Billion in 2022. The Underwater Acoustic Communication Market industry is projected to grow from USD 2.45 Billion in 2023 to USD 5.85 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.50% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The growing use of underwater acoustic communication for exploration and security & surveillance by various end-users is the key market driver enhancing the market growth.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Trends

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  Rising defense spending in several countries and the growing demand for acoustic communication in environmental monitoring is driving the market growth

  
  

Market CAGR for underwater acoustic communication is being driven by the Rising defense spending in several countries and the growing demand for acoustic communication in environmental monitoring. In the context of heightened security concerns, territorial disputes, and evolving threats, there has been a significant surge in global defense expenditures. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) have found extensive utility within military operations, encompassing tasks such as mine countermeasures, rapid environmental assessments, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, harbor safeguarding, port clearance operations, and anti-submarine warfare. Consequently, UUVs are poised to witness increased deployment in the forthcoming years, primarily aimed at addressing underwater security challenges, thereby stimulating growth in the global market.

A pivotal driver propelling the underwater acoustic communication market is the rising adoption of underwater acoustic communication solutions by naval defense systems, which facilitates reliable and secure communication. Notably, a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) disclosed that global military expenditure exceeded $2 trillion for the first time in 2021. This upsurge was notably led by heightened spending in the Asia-Pacific region, with China allocating approximately $293 billion and India investing $76.6 billion, emerging as key contributors to growth in Asia and Oceania. SIPRI's data also revealed that military spending in this region increased by 3.5%, surpassing the growth rates in Europe (3%), Africa (1.2%), and outpacing declines in the Middle East (-3.3%) and the Americas (-1.2%). Furthermore, long-term market expansion is expected to be sustained by robust demand for high-speed and dependable communication systems for homeland security and defense applications. The growing significance of acoustic communication in underwater research initiatives and environmental protection endeavors presents promising avenues for market development.

As a result, it is anticipated that throughout the projection period, demand for the Underwater Acoustic Communication Market will increase due to the Rising defense spending in several countries and the growing demand for acoustic communication in environmental monitoring. Thus, driving the Underwater Acoustic Communication Market revenue.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Segment Insights:

Underwater Acoustic Communication End User Insights

The Underwater Acoustic Communication Market segmentation, based on End User includes Scientific Research and Development, Military and Defense, Marine, Oil and Gas, and Others. The scientific research and development segment dominated the market, accounting for 58% of market revenue (1.27 Billion). Ongoing scientific research and development efforts are crucial in the field of underwater acoustic communication, particularly for marine survey applications. Nations place significant importance on advancing underwater acoustic communication technology to address the various challenges associated with underwater communication. This continuous pursuit of innovation is driven by the recognition of the strategic significance of effective underwater communication solutions.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Component Insights

The Underwater Acoustic Communication Market segmentation, based on Components, includes Hardware, Software, and Services. The software segment dominated the market, accounting for 55% of market revenue (1.21 Billion). Underwater communication often faces challenges such as signal degradation and noise interference. Advanced software algorithms can help improve signal quality by reducing noise and enhancing data integrity. This is particularly crucial in applications like marine research, defense, and offshore industries where data accuracy is essential.

Figure 1: Underwater Acoustic Communication Market, by Components, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Underwater Acoustic Communication Application Insights

The Underwater Acoustic Communication Market segmentation, based on Application, includes Environment Monitoring, Pollution Monitoring, Oceanography, Hydrography and Others. The environment monitoring segment dominated the market, accounting for 60% of market revenue (1.32 Billion). The dominance of the environmental monitoring segment in the market can be attributed to its extensive utilization for assessing and monitoring the effects of infrastructure development and construction in near-shore areas on the surrounding ecosystem and underwater marine ecosystems.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Connectivity Insights

The Underwater Acoustic Communication Market segmentation, based on Connectivity, includes Hardwired, and Wireless. The wireless segment dominated the market, accounting for 65% of market revenue (1.43 Billion). Wireless underwater acoustic communication systems have seen significant improvements in their ability to establish reliable and high-speed connections underwater. This has been made possible by advancements in acoustic modem technology, which enables efficient data transfer between submerged devices and surface stations. This improved connectivity is crucial for various applications.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The increased adoption of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in North America, spanning both defense and commercial sectors, holds the potential to be a significant driver of market growth. Additionally, governmental agencies leverage underwater communication technology for environmental monitoring purposes. This facilitates the assessment of oil and gas companies' activities about their environmental footprint. These advanced technologies empower businesses to closely monitor environmental impact and implement effective measures to mitigate it. Furthermore, they enable the observation and analysis of climate change trends. Key players in the Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) market are actively engaging in strategic partnerships and pursuing development contracts to establish a prominent market presence. For example, in February 2020, Lockheed Martin Corporation secured a significant $12.3-million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This contract was awarded to support the development and demonstration of an advanced series of extra-large UUVs in collaboration with DARPA. These UUVs are designed to conduct extended-duration, long-term missions while carrying substantial payloads, thereby reducing reliance on alternative logistical technologies and vessels of opportunity in forward-operating environments.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Underwater Acoustic Communication Market accounts for the second-largest market share as European nations have a significant interest in defense and security applications of underwater communication technology. This includes naval operations, maritime border surveillance, and protection of critical underwater infrastructure. The need for secure and reliable communication in these domains fuels market growth. According to the European Union, The European defense industry is a significant industrial sector with a turnover of EUR 119 billion in 2020. It directly employs 463,000 people and encompasses over 2,500 SMEs. This sector plays a crucial role in Europe's industrial competitiveness, driven by its economic and technological components. This industry's emphasis on technological advancements and innovation is highly relevant to the development of advanced underwater communication systems. As defense and security sectors within Europe continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, including underwater acoustic communication, it leads to increased demand for these systems. The defense industry's commitment to enhancing capabilities for surveillance, threat identification, and security drives the adoption of underwater communication technology, thereby fostering market growth. Further, the Germany Underwater Acoustic Communication Market held the largest market share, and the UK Underwater Acoustic Communication Market was the fastest-growing market in the European region

The Asia-Pacific Underwater Acoustic Communication Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The Asia Pacific region is home to some of the world's busiest and strategically important waterways, such as the South China Sea. As maritime activities, including shipping, offshore oil and gas exploration, and defense operations, continue to increase in the region, there is a growing demand for reliable and efficient underwater communication systems. According to the Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy, eight out of the top 10 busiest container ports worldwide are situated within the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the South China Sea plays a pivotal role in facilitating international maritime trade, serving as the conduit for nearly 30 percent of the world's shipping activity annually. This vital maritime route encompasses approximately $1.2 trillion worth of goods destined for the United States. Moreover, China’s Underwater Acoustic Communication Market held the largest market share, and the Indian Underwater Acoustic Communication Market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the Underwater Acoustic Communication Market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Underwater Acoustic Communication industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global Underwater Acoustic Communication industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Underwater Acoustic Communication industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Underwater Acoustic Communication Market, including Adobe Inc., Cisco System Inc., Atlassian Corporation PLC, Facebook Inc., Google LLC, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Jive Software, Igloo Software, Mitel Networks Corporation, Salesforce.Com Inc., SAP SE, Slack Technologies Inc., TIBCO Software Inc., VMware Inc. (Dell Technologies), are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Kongsberg is a prominent supplier of advanced technology solutions catering to a diverse range of industries, including energy, merchant shipping, naval, defense, and aerospace. The company's extensive product portfolio encompasses bridge systems, Kongsberg defense and aerospace systems, Kongsberg Discovery, Kongsberg Digital, automation solutions, information management systems, marine robotics, naval technologies, ocean science, and mapping tools, as well as onshore and space-based systems. Kongsberg also provides a suite of products and systems tailored for seabed surveying and monitoring purposes, as well as applications in the fishing vessel and fisheries research sectors. Their business operations have a global footprint, spanning across Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Kongsberg is headquartered in Kongsberg, Viken, Norway. In March 2022, Kongsberg Maritime made an exciting announcement regarding the launch of cNODE Mantis, an innovative addition to their cNODE product range of acoustic modems. This new capability enables the real-time streaming of video feeds, offering enhanced functionality for various subsea installation tasks.

Teledyne Marine is a leading provider of cutting-edge technologies that empower growth in various industrial sectors. Their extensive product lineup includes digital imaging sensors, cameras, and systems, as well as specialized equipment for capturing and analyzing infrared, ultraviolet, and X-ray spectra. They also offer instruments for monitoring and controlling conditions in marine, industrial, environmental, and other applications. Teledyne's offerings extend to electronic test and measurement tools, defense electronics, and subsystems for satellite communication. Teledyne caters to a diverse range of markets, including aerospace and defense, factory automation, deepwater energy exploration and production, environmental monitoring for air and water quality, oceanographic research, medical imaging, and pharmaceutical research. The company operates globally, with a presence across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Teledyne's corporate headquarters are located in Thousand Oaks, California, USA. In July 2021, Teledyne Marine made a significant announcement regarding the introduction of its Ultra Compact Modem (UCM), which stands as the smallest acoustic modem ever developed by Teledyne Benthos. This innovation addresses the growing demand for reliable wireless underwater acoustic communication solutions, particularly for autonomous micro vehicles and other subsea instruments.

Key Companies in the Underwater Acoustic Communication Market include

• sea and land technologies pte ltd


• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.


• Kongsberg


• sonardyne international ltd


• EvoLogics GmbH


• Thales


• Undersea Systems International, Inc.


• Ultra Electronics Holdings plc


• Teledyne Marine


• Saab AB

Underwater Acoustic Communication Industry Developments

August 2022: KONGSBERG Marine unveiled EcoAdvisor, an innovative system designed to monitor vessel operations and its surrounding environment comprehensively. This includes aspects like power generation, propulsion, environmental influences, and control system dynamics. EcoAdvisor offers operators the capability to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance expenses, all while maintaining vessel redundancy margins and operational efficiency at optimal levels.

July 2022: Teledyne Technologies completed the acquisition of NL Acoustics, a renowned provider of advanced predictive maintenance solutions based on acoustics. NL Acoustics specializes in cutting-edge acoustic imaging equipment, with its user-friendly acoustic cameras being produced in Finland. These cameras are instrumental in predictive maintenance tasks, such as fault detection, enhancing production processes for improved efficiency, and ultimately delivering energy savings and cost reductions.

Underwater Acoustic Communication Market Segmentation

Underwater Acoustic Communication End User Outlook

• Scientific Research and Development


• Military and Defense


• Marine


• Oil and Gas


• Others

Underwater Acoustic Communication Component Outlook

• Hardware


• Software


• Services

Underwater Acoustic Communication Application Outlook

• Environment Monitoring


• Pollution Monitoring


• Oceanography


• Hydrography


• Others

Underwater Acoustic Communication Connectivity Outlook

• Hardwired


• Wireless

Underwater Acoustic Communication Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America