Maritime Satellite Communication Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The maritime satellite communication market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.75%, reaching US$10.017 billion in 2029, from US$6.011 billion in 2024.

A maritime satellite is a mode of communication that connects ships, vessels, and other marine vehicles to seashore stations. This is a two-way communication channel that is specifically used in emergency situations in the sea environment. This communication mode plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations, especially during unpredicted situations to establish the communication between sea and shore. This system is used in various operations in the sea, especially for the search and rescue of lost vessels, survival craft stations, and interactive ships in distress for communication with CES terminals and the SAR force.

Maritime satellite communication is established through various band frequencies, including ku-band, l-band, and ka-band. The International Maritime Satelite Organization (INMARSAT) is responsible for operating a network of satellites that provide telecommunication services to sea vehicles like vessels and ships, including safety and distress communication. The organization comprises four satellites placed in geostationary orbit above the equator and covering four regions: the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.

Maritime Satellite Communication Market Drivers

The increased expansion of global maritime trade operations enhances the maritime satellite communication system market.

The worldwide shipping industry is growing due to increased volumes of cargo across long-distance regions in the world. This increased volume of cargo necessitates the robust maritime satellite communication systems that need to be incorporated into ships for smooth and safe operations. Unlike land communication systems with limited frequency ranges, maritime satellite communication systems provide better connectivity on the high seas. This high-frequency communication system allows the ships for crucial functions like safe communication, weather updates, accurate navigation alerts, and crew member safety checks.

Furthermore, the strict regulations initiated by the International Maritime Organization mandate the use of this system in ships. Ultimately, the rise in global trade and the growth in the recent communication system and crew safety are the primary key drivers for the increasing adoption of maritime satellite communication systems in vessels or ships.

Growing technological advancements propel the maritime satellite communication market growth.

Today's maritime communication is in the process of transformation. There are many new technologies available. The development of satellite technology has been the cause of the miniaturization in size and refinements in power use for antennas, radios, and communication units. These systems have a faster read/write rate, allowing them to process greater data volumes, making them more suited for big data applications. This comes with a clear benefit for the ship owners, as well as the sea surfers; it lowers the cost and the evolution of the ship is more feasible.

Prior to the advancement in technology, satellite communication systems were very large and quite expensive, and, therefore, only those ships that had large capacities could equip themselves with such systems. But with the technological developments, small boats can compete with large ones which will make even communication at the sea more reliable. With this, they can execute critical operations such as receiving updated navigations, safety alerts, and remote connections to the above. Finally, these technological advancements are fostering the inclusivity of advanced maritime communication and are bringing about the development of safety and efficiency in global shipping operations.

Growing incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) boosts the maritime satellite communication market growth.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is known to have an enormous impact on the maritime sector, which implies the extreme importance of reliable communication. IoT sensors make a ship smarter and boost the demand for powerful data transmission. The sensor draws support from live data on engine performance and cargo condition, which helps with remote control, data-based maintenance, and intelligent decision-making.

The only disadvantage of traditional terrestrial networks is that they have minimum coverage, while satellite-based communication provides high-speed and reliable data transmission. This feature allows shipping companies to enhance their operations, avoid any downtime due to unexpected breakdowns, and apply data-driven measures to increase safety and efficiency. A short summary is that the Internet of Things is closely linked to satellite communication because of the global nature of the oceans.

Maritime Satellite Communication Market - Geographical Outlook

The North American market is expected to grow significantly

North America accounts for a significant share of the maritime satellite communication market due to various reasons. The region has well-known technological companies and a growing maritime sector with noteworthy established shipping firms. These companies require quick and high-frequency communication systems; hence, they rely on maritime satellite communication for smooth and safe operations in deep oceans with long-range frequency. Additionally, the region is famous for its innovations and developments of advanced technology in the maritime satellite communication industry. This innovation resembles the development of compact and small-size components like antennas with high-frequency range and economical pricing as these innovative components will be incorporated in vessels to fetch real-time data to shores.

Maritime Satellite Communication Market Restraints

The installation and maintenance cost is expensive and can curb the maritime satellite communication market growth.

The maintenance and installation of maritime satellites are expensive and cannot be afforded by small shipping companies. The primary cost of hardware components like antennas and transceivers and other services related to the communication system is also too high.  

Increased cyber threats can hinder the maritime satellite communication market growth.

The growing prevalence of digitalization of maritime communication and its reliance on satellite networks makes the industry vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, the incorporation of connected devices with satellite networks can be a probable threat and can lead to sensitive data breaches.

Maritime Satellite Communication Key Industry Updates

• March 2023: Thuraya and Cobham collaborated to launch the T-TAC solution, a tactical radio extender that uses Thuraya’s satellite network to execute dependable communication beyond the line of sight (BLOS) from land, air, and sea teams.
• June 2023: Oneweb launched “ Experience Before Purchase”, especially for marine users. This innovative offer enables shipping companies to avail themselves of One Web’s reliance and high-speed internet connectivity while at sea. This service is the best option for various applications like remote vessel management and enhances the safety of the crew. The aim of this communication system is to transform the ships to stay connected globally.

Maritime Satellite Communication Major Players and Products

• StarLink: Marlink offers Starlink, SpaceX's low-earth orbit internet service, for its maritime service applications. It implies that the boats can now access high-speed and low-latency internet in places that are typically outside the network. Starlink ensures seamless connectivity for crew welfare, equipment diagnostics, and even video streaming at sea. 

The Maritime Satellite Communication market is segmented and analyzed as:

By Type

• Mobile Satellite Service (MSS)
• Very small aperture terminal (VSAT)

By Offering

• Solution
• Service

By Application

• Video Communication
• Voice Communication
• Data Communication

By End-users

• Merchant
• Offshore Rigs and Support Vessels
• Leisure
• Finishing Vehicles
• Passenger Fleet

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