Underwater Communication System Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The underwater communication system market will reach US$9.437 billion in 2029 at a CAGR of 10.39% from US$5.758 billion in 2024.

Underwater communication systems utilize water to transfer auditory signals from one transceiver to another device underwater, similar to the dolphins who use sonar to communicate in the water. The underwater communication system is classified into two types: they are hardwired and wireless. The hardwired systems consist of cables to transmit the audio signals around the water, whereas wireless systems utilize water to send the signals.

Underwater communication systems are employed to serve various operations in different industries. The communication system is an important aspect of oceanography, oil exploration, sea surface monitoring, and security. This system is beneficial in many ways by collecting real-time data, monitoring or predicting danger from a distance, good for the environment, and can be utilized for search and survey operations beneath the water. Increased expansions of ocean industries, growing advancement in underwater technologies, and growing investments are driving the underwater communication system market.

Underwater Communication System Market Driver

Increased expansions of ocean industries driving the underwater communication systems market growth.

A primary driving factor influencing underwater communication systems is the global expansion of ocean industries. Activities like oil and & gas exploration, renewable energy generators like wind farms, tidal energy, and underwater mining need faster communication systems, which is a crucial aspect of the water ecosystem. These operations require high-frequency communication systems to transfer and receive real-time data and constant monitoring.

For example, the performance of a wind farm in the middle of the sea, without a proper communication system or channel for the technicians or the engineers who work in between, cannot be monitored or maintained properly. The underwater communication systems bridge the communication gap between offshore and onshore connections by establishing a proper channel, ensuring smooth operations in the water. .

Growing advancement in underwater technologies propels the underwater communication system market growth.

The underwater ecosystem is asserting growth with respective advanced technology, and underwater communication systems are playing a vital role in facilitating creative innovations. The underwater autonomous vehicle is specifically designed for underwater exploration and oceanographic research components articulate on proper communication infrastructure facility. For example, the autonomous vehicle  underwater collects the information for the installation of subsea pipes, and robots perform the tasks of connecting the pipes within certain network areas. Without the proper underwater communication systems, it would not be possible for this equipment to perform tasks accurately.

For instance, in April 2023, Bayonet displayed an autonomous underwater vehicle called the “Bayonet 250” for the first demonstration to the market. The vehicle has capabilities for different application uses, including underwater surveys, inspections, sound propagation, and even warfare tasks.

Growing investments in underwater communication systems enhance market growth.

The underwater communication systems are driven by various aspects. Investment is one of the influencing factors that help the ocean industries and operations grow.  The relevance of communication inside the ocean is crucial for transmitting real-time data to the operation centers, ensuring safety and reliable intel for operating further in the rough sea conditions. The upgrade in the underwater communication systems enhances the revenue towards ocean ecosystems, where further investments and research operations will be carried out to explore more alternatives for communicating offshore facilities.

The communication networks beneath the water consist of sustainable practices like aqua farming and ocean resource management methods, which help in the long run towards a sustainable future. For instance, in December 2023, Wsense a famous Italy-based company that is known for its unique work in upgrading technologies underwater by enabling underwater Internet of Things solutions. The company, in partnership with Blueinvest, which is a European Commission initiative enhancing innovation in the ocean economy. Wsense, in coordination with BlueInvest, has raised funding of 11 million euros for the development and creation of innovative communication technologies beneath the sea.

Underwater Communication System Market - Geographical System

The North American market is expected to grow significantly.

North America is projected to account for a significant share of the underwater communication system due to various reasons. The growing investment in offshore activities like oil and gas exploration will have a significant impact on underwater communication system market growth for smooth communication and data transmission. Furthermore, the region’s government initiatives to safeguard the ocean and its environment for a sustainable future as the initiatives are regarding resource management where a robust data transmission network is needed to provide accurate data transmission for further or future analysis. Additionally, the government also supports  private firms in the research and development of cutting-edge underwater communication technology with high bandwidth, more frequency coverage, and less power consumption features.

Underwater Communication System Market Restraints

Restricted bandwidth and reduced speed in data transmission can hinder the underwater communication system market growth.

Water is capable of reducing the power of electromagnetic waves, significantly resulting in reduced bandwidth and lower speed in data transmission in underwater communication systems. Due to these impacts, the real-time data cannot be transferred properly, and reduced bandwidth causes the interruption in video streaming underwater.

Increased errors in signal propagation curb the underwater communication system market growth.

The underwater ecosystem is difficult to understand and involves complexity. Water's salty nature, temperature, and underwater waves can impact signal propagation, leading to signal errors and potential communication gaps.

Underwater Communication System Key Industrial Developments

August 2023: Cathx Ocean launched Clarity, an innovative software solution that restructure ocean robots. By incorporating sensors, machine vision, and machine learning, this innovative solution offers immediate analysis. Clarity enables robots to detect occurrences, produce overall reports, and optimize data processing, ultimately enhancing effectiveness and providing informed decision-making in underwater operations.

Underwater Communication System Market Players and Products

The Acon: the product, offered by Kongsberg, is a bridge navigational watch system that helps to avoid marine accidents. The solution is capable of tracking bridge activity and identifying operator disability in a one-man bridge operation. 

The Underwater Communication System market is segmented and analyzed as:

By Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Services

By Connectivity

• Hardwired
• Wireless

By Application

• Oceanography
• Hydrography
• Pollution Monitoring
• Environment Monitoring 
• Others

By End-User

• Marine
• Oil and Gas
• Scientific Research and Development
• Military and Defence
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Others