Marine Sensors Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Type, By Platform, By Application and Regional Analysis, 2022-2032

Market Definition

Marine sensors are specialized devices that detect, measure, and monitor various physical, chemical, and environmental parameters in marine environments. The market encompasses a wide range of sensor types such as sonars, acoustic, magnetic, pressure, temperature, and flow and level sensors. It covers their use across military and defense as well as commercial platforms.

Applications include surveillance, navigation, reconnaissance, target recognition, and electronic warfare, making marine sensors essential for naval operations, maritime safety, and research activities worldwide.

Marine Sensors Market Overview

The global marine sensors market size was valued at USD 1,385.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1,467.7 million in 2025 to USD 2,299.6 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.63% over the forecast period.

The market is expanding as nations enhance naval capabilities and commercial operators adopt advanced sensing technologies for safety, efficiency, and situational awareness. Significant investments from defense agencies in sonar and acoustic systems for anti-submarine warfare, along with spending by shipping operators and offshore energy companies on pressure and flow sensors to optimize vessel performance and marine energy operations, further support market expansion.

Major companies operating in the global marine sensors market are TE Connectivity, Honeywell International Inc., Garmin Ltd., Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Kongsberg Maritime, AIRMAR Technology Corporation, Chelsea Technologies Ltd, Hansford Sensors, Kistler Group, ABM Sensor Technology, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Jowa AB, HF JENSEN A/S, Trensor, LLC, and Eaton.

The integration of AI and technological advancements is driving growth in the marine sensors market. Advancements in sensor technology, such as real-time data processing, intelligent analytics, and enhanced sensor fusion, are improving operational efficiency, situational awareness, and accuracy in maritime navigation and surveillance. These capabilities are enabling faster decision-making in complex marine operations, thereby driving the adoption of marine sensors across commercial and defense maritime sectors.

• In June 2025, Maxar Intelligence launched Sentry, a persistent monitoring suite providing global predictive intelligence. The system integrates multi-constellation tasking, real-time geospatial data fusion, and AI-driven analytics to monitor land and maritime sites.

Key Market Highlights:

• The global marine sensors market size was valued at USD 1,385.4 million in 2024.
• The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.63% from 2025 to 2032.
• Asia Pacific held a market share of 36.41% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 504.4 million.
• The sonars segment garnered USD 335.0 million in revenue in 2024.
• The military and defense segment is expected to reach USD 1,413.5 million by 2032.
• The surveillance & monitoring segment is expected to reach USD 713.0 million by 2032.
• The market in North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

Rising Offshore Exploration and Energy Operations

The global marine sensor market is significantly driven by the rapid expansion of offshore exploration and energy activities. Increasing investments in offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy projects require precise monitoring of underwater environments and critical infrastructure. 

Marine sensors provide real-time data for navigation, environmental assessment, and asset protection, ensuring operational safety and efficiency in complex offshore conditions. Advanced sensor technologies, including sonar, acoustic, and subsea monitoring systems, support resource extraction, risk mitigation, and maintenance planning. 

Growing scale and complexity of offshore operations intensify the reliance on sophisticated marine sensors, making them essential tools for energy companies and maritime stakeholders worldwide.

• In March 2025, Global Energy Monitor reported that at least 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) of resources were identified in new offshore discoveries, with 85% of the volume concentrated in ten offshore fields worldwide. This underscores the strong expansion of offshore exploration and energy activities at the global level.

Market Challenge

Challenge in Sensor Accuracy in Harsh Marine Environments

A major challenge in the marine sensor market is maintaining accurate monitoring in harsh maritime environments. Saltwater corrosion, high pressure at depth, temperature variations, and biofouling reduce sensor performance and can produce unreliable data. 

These conditions complicate long-term deployments, increase maintenance requirements, and limit the precision of critical measurements, including vessel detection, navigation, and environmental monitoring. To overcome these challenges, manufacturers are developing sensors with corrosion-resistant materials, biofouling-resistant surfaces, and pressure-tolerant housings. 

They integrate temperature-compensated electronics, real-time calibration, self-diagnostic systems, and advanced signal processing to ensure consistent accuracy, minimize maintenance, and enhance operational reliability in demanding oceanic and coastal applications.

• In July 2025, Teledyne Valeport and ANB Sensors launched a self-calibrating pH sensor for ocean monitoring. The sensor ensures long-term, accurate measurements with biofouling protection, temperature compensation, and reference drift correction. Designed for harsh marine conditions up to 1250 meters, it reduces calibration downtime and supports various marine platforms.

Market Trend

Rising Demand for Navigation and Positioning Solutions

The marine sensor market is witnessing robust growth due to the increasing demand for advanced navigation and positioning solutions in marine surveying and mapping. 

Accurate and real-time geospatial data is critical for applications such as offshore exploration, seabed mapping, and environmental monitoring, where precision directly impacts operational efficiency and safety. High-performance sensors capable of delivering reliable positional information help reduce survey time, minimize errors, and enhance decision-making in complex marine environments. 

• In October 2024, Teledyne Marine launched the Intrepid GNSS/Inertial Navigation System integrated with the SeaBat T20-ASV processor. The system includes a compact IMU and dual GNSS antennas, offering precise positioning for marine surveying. It simplifies operations by eliminating manual sensor interfacing, providing a unified interface for monitoring, updates, and delivering accurate results essential for dynamic marine applications.

Marine Sensors Market Report Snapshot

Market Segmentation

• By Type (Sonars, Acoustic Sensors, Pressure Sensors, Flow and Level Sensors, Temperature Sensors, Magnetic Sensors, and Others): The sonars segment earned USD 335.0 million in 2024 due to their critical role in underwater navigation, object detection, and anti-submarine warfare.
• By Platform (Military and Defense, Commercial): The military and defense segment held 62.47% of the market in 2024, due to sustained naval modernization programs and investments in maritime security systems.
• By Application (Surveillance & Monitoring, Communication & Navigation, Intelligence & Reconnaissance, Target Recognition, Electronic Warfare, and Others): The surveillance & monitoring segment is projected to reach USD 713.0 million by 2032, owing to the growing need for continuous maritime domain awareness and coastal security operations.

Marine Sensors Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the marine sensors market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

Asia Pacific accounted for a substantial market share of 36.41% in 2024 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 504.4 million. This dominance is supported by the region’s strong reliance on maritime trade. According to the World Bank Group, about 75% of South Asia’s international trade by value is transported by sea. 

The rapid expansion of commercial shipping routes, coupled with record port activity in hubs like Singapore, drives consistent demand for advanced marine sensors. South-East Asia’s robust trade expansion in 2024 has significantly increased vessel movements, intensifying the demand for advanced marine sensors to ensure accurate detection, collision avoidance, and continuous monitoring in high-traffic maritime zones.

• In January 2025, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific reported stronger trade growth in the Asia-Pacific, driven by economic recovery and consumer spending. Real exports grew 3.4% and imports 3.6%, surpassing global averages of 1.8% and 2.2%. South-East Asia led with 5.8% growth, while the region’s global trade share rose slightly.

The market in North America is expected to register the fastest growth in the market, with a projected CAGR of 6.30% over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the strong naval dominance of the U.S., which operates the world’s largest and most advanced fleet. 

Continuous investments in naval modernization, unmanned underwater vehicles, and advanced surveillance systems create strong demand for sonar, acoustic, and navigation sensors. In addition, collaborations between defense contractors and technology providers drive innovation, resulting in highly sophisticated marine sensor systems. These combined factors position North America as a key leader in the global marine sensors market, with sustained momentum over the forecast period.

• In 2025, the U.S. Navy collaborated with private shipbuilding companies to expand the submarine industrial base, supporting the Columbia and Virginia Class programs. Austal USA’s investment in the Alabama Shipyard will enhance production capacity, workforce training, and infrastructure, thereby strengthening national security and ensuring long-term maritime dominance.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., marine sensor regulations fall under multiple agencies. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) oversees activities on the outer continental shelf (OCS). The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates grid-connected marine energy projects. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages permits for navigable waters. The U.S. Coast Guard ensures compliance with navigation and safety standards.
• In Europe, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) oversees maritime safety and equipment compliance, while the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) defines technical standards for marine communication systems.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the global marine sensor market are strengthening their presence through research collaborations and product innovation. Companies are partnering with research institutions, naval organizations, and technology providers to co-develop advanced sensor technologies, enabling faster integration of emerging capabilities into operational systems. 

In parallel, firms are prioritizing the development of compact, multi-functional, and software-driven sensors that enhance detection accuracy, operational efficiency, and adaptability across defense and commercial maritime applications.

• In April 2025, Kyocera Corporation and Nitto Seimo Co., Ltd. launched a trial of a Smart-Sensing Research Buoy in Japan. Developed with Nagasaki University, the buoy uses tidal energy harvesting to power oceanographic sensors. The solution enables real-time ocean monitoring, supporting climate change studies, marine resource management, aquaculture, and environmental conservation through stable long-term data collection.

Top Companies in Marine Sensors Market:

• TE Connectivity
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Garmin Ltd.
• Curtiss-Wright Corporation
• Kongsberg Maritime
• AIRMAR Technology Corporation
• Chelsea Technologies Ltd
• Hansford Sensors
• Kistler Group
• ABM Sensor Technology
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
• Jowa AB
• HF JENSEN A/S
• Trensor, LLC
• Eaton

Recent Developments:

• In August 2025, Navtech Radar and Tocaro Blue formed a strategic partnership to enhance marine navigation and collision avoidance. The collaboration integrates Navtech’s W-band radar systems with Tocaro Blue’s ML-powered software, providing high-resolution sensing, object detection, and near-field awareness for autonomous and semi-autonomous maritime vessels in various weather conditions.
• In August 2025, Teledyne Technologies acquired TransponderTech from Saab AB. The acquisition includes AIS, VDES, and GNSS solutions for commercial maritime, military, and airborne applications. The deal aims to enhance Teledyne’s marine technology portfolio, improving navigation, communication, and operational safety for maritime operators worldwide.
• In February 2025, Mahindra Group and Anduril Industries entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop Autonomous Maritime Systems, AI-enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial System technologies, and Command and Control software. The collaboration focuses on modular AUVs for surveillance, security, and reconnaissance, and a sensor fusion platform to integrate multiple sensor technologies efficiently.
• In December 2024, Vaisala launched the Ultrasonic Wind Sensor WM80 for wind turbine and maritime applications. The robust sensor provides accurate wind data in harsh conditions, supporting turbine control, vessel dynamic positioning, and navigation. Featuring WINDCAP technology, rugged design, easy installation, and zero maintenance, WM80 enhances operational safety, efficiency, and performance in offshore and onshore environments.