The global hydrographic survey equipment market was valued at $3.1 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $5.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.73% from 2021 to 2030.
A hydrographic survey or a bathymetric survey refers to the process of measuring several factors under the surface of the water. The survey can be performed on still water as well as running water. The primary objectives of hydrographic survey equipment are the measurement of tides for sea coast with its scope of application in the construction of sea defense works and harbors. Data can also be used for the establishment of leveling dams for reducing sounding, and for the determination of bed depth. The hydrographic survey can also identify soundings for navigation, location of rocks, sand bars, and underwater works volumes of underwater excavation. In connection with irrigation and land drainage schemes, hydrographic survey equipment is used for the determination of the direction of current in connection with the location of the sewer, measurement of the quantity of water, and flow of water in connection with water schemes, and flood controls.
Factors such as the introduction of unmanned survey vehicles, reduced cost of operation, and integration of various technologies to support a customer-friendly approach to augment the business opportunities within the forecast period. Technological advances, such as 3D and 4D technologies, being incorporated in bathymetric studies have made it possible for harbor owners and managers to get a better overall view of their areas. 4D technologies enhance predictive assessment for ports as they offer a more realistic insight into developments in the surrounding waters. Furthermore, the rise in demand for hydrographic surveys by defense organizations across the globe and rising tension between several nations such as the U.S., China, Russia, Philippines, and North Korea among others will propel market opportunities. Updated hydrographic scans and precise subsea mapping provide strategic competitiveness to nations during critical situations.
The global hydrographic survey equipment market is segmented based on end user, type, depth, platform, application, and region. By end user, the market is divided into commercial, research, and defense. By type, the market is classified into sensing systems, positioning, system, optical system, profilers, software, and others. Based on depth, the hydrographic survey equipment in is segmented into shallow water, and deepwater. The platform segment is categorized into surface vessels, unmanned surface vessels (USVs) & unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs), and aircraft. The application segment is divided into hydrographic or bathymetry survey, port & harbor management, offshore oil & gas survey, cable or pipeline route survey, and others. By region, the market is analyzed across North, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Companies have adopted product development and product launch as their key development strategies in the hydrographic survey equipment industry. Moreover, collaborations and acquisitions are expected to enable the leading players to enhance their product portfolios and expand into different geographical regions. The Key players operating in the hydrographic survey equipment market are Edgetech, Innomar Technologie GmbH, Ixblue SaS, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Sonardyne International Ltd, Syqwest Inc, Teledyne Technologies Inc, Tritech International Limited, Valeport Ltd, and Xylem.
Proliferating scope of application for hydrographic surveys
The ability of hydrographic survey equipment to collect multiple data in a single survey and process them as and when needed with required classification drive business opportunities for the market. The amalgamation of several technologies and hardware such as advanced deep-sea cameras, robust transmitters, and receivers, powerful processing units supporting artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities with existing hydrographic survey equipment to support industry proliferation. These integrations allow survey equipment to collect much more comprehensive and accurate data. Strong computation capabilities allow survey vehicles to process the data instantaneously and deliver vital information, supporting operational efficiency.
Initiatives taken by global players operating within the market to reduce the acquisition and operational cost of the hydrographic survey equipment market will further bolster the growth opportunities. Business models such as long-term leasing, subscription, or pay-as-use will allow these companies to cater to a wider audience such as individual researchers and small organizations which were untapped.
Adoption of new technologies within the hydrographic survey equipment
Conventionally, the hydrographic survey was referred to as a logistically complex, costly, time taking, and risky process. As a result, the survey was often delayed and postponed. However, the integration of new technologies such as autonomous unmanned systems, advanced sensing, navigation, and optical components, coupled with strong processing units propels the market growth. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies within business operations of the hydrographic survey has notably reduced the time and cost of operations.
Companies operating within the vertical are engaged in acquiring huge data sets and gathering repositories of data that can be integrated with AI and ML, allowing them to provide a better end user experience. For instance, in April 2022, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) announced that they will provide S-100 navigation data for the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) project. During its trial, the MAS demonstrated abilities to interact with S-100 navigation data provided by UKHO and maneuver autonomously and recreate its passage through the sea.
High production cost and increased market competitiveness
The purpose of hydrographic surveying is to make digital infrastructure for efficient and safe navigation at sea. Hydrographic surveys are essential to display the most significant and crucial depth soundings. Proper execution of a bathymetric surveying task, from its beginning to the final submission of the results, is a continuous process, all parts of which have to be systematically and accurately carried out if the complete value is to be gained. The processes included in performing hydrographic surveys are planning of hydrographic survey, survey reconnaissance, data acquisition, coastline delineation, data processing, and data rendering. Moreover, the data collected in the most accurate manner can be wasted if it is not administered carefully and assembled & extracted in an understandable manner.
To conduct a bathymetric survey properly, various equipment is used to get information regarding the characteristics of the seabed. Equipment, such as multi-beam sonars, side scan sonars, LiDAR, laser scanners, and sound speed profiles, are readily used while conducting a hydrographic survey. The cost of the equipment makes surveys quite expensive, which is one of the main factors that are expected to hinder the growth of the hydrographic survey equipment market during the forecast period.
Increase in regional operations
The efforts taken by the regional government of the countries with the developed and developing economies such as the U.S., India, China, and Russia among others to increase their bathymetry data for the maritime industry is generating notable business opportunities at the global level. These countries along with their associated organizations such as National Ocean Service (NOAA), the U.S., UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), and Hydrographic International Organization (IHO) are releasing their long-term plan to survey the majority of their surrounding water bodies. These organizations are calling local service providers and releasing tenders to aid them with their goals. For instance, the NOAA released a 2022 plan for a hydrographic survey where the organization aims to chart water bodies across the Great Lakes, Atlantic Coast, Pacific Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and Western Pacific region.
Key Benefits For Stakeholders
- This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the hydrographic survey equipment market analysis from 2020 to 2030 to identify the prevailing hydrographic survey equipment market opportunities.
- The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
- Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
- In-depth analysis of the hydrographic survey equipment market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
- Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
- Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
- The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global hydrographic survey equipment market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.
Hydrographic Survey Equipment Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By End User |
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 By Type |
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 By Depth |
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 By Platform |
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 By Application |
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 By Region |
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 Key Market Players | XYLEM, Tritech International Ltd, Teledyne Technologies Inc., KONSBERG GRUPPEN ASA, Sonardyne International Ltd., Innomar Technologie GmbH, Syqwest Inc., Edgetech, Ixblue SAS, Valeport Ltd. |
Analyst Review
The hydrographic survey equipment market is witness to undergo a major shift in the coming years. As maritime, construction, navigation, and defense industries become data centric, importance of hydrographic surveys keep increasing. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms in hydrographic survey equipment allows users to receive real time optimized data that serves as a major driver for the market growth. However, high cost of hydrographic survey equipment and challenges associated with shallow water hydrographic surveying are anticipated to hamper growth of the market. Moreover, technological innovations in the field of bathymetric surveys and emergence of hydrographic survey software are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the market in the future.
Design optimization through adoption of size, weight, price, and cost (SWaP) concept and reduction of manufacturing cost, along with long-term service agreements has reduced the overall cost of operation. Such initiatives by major industry players is expected to provide new business horizons to the hydrographic survey equipment market.
The North America and Europe market is anticipated to capture the highest market share, followed by Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. Asia-Pacific is expected exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, backed up by several driving factors such as fleet modernization contracts and establishment of indigenous capabilities. For instance, in December 2021, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a regional company of India unveiled a hydrographic survey ship for Indian navy. 80% of ship was built through indigenous capabilities, supporting regional market.
Among the analyzed regions, North America is the highest revenue contributor, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. North America is expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period, owing to increase in funding for conducting hydrographic surveys for oceanographic studies in the region and presence of big market players, such as Fugro N.V., Teledyne Technologies Inc., and Moog Inc, which have a global presence.
The rise in the integration of autonomous vehicles reduces the overall operational cost while increasing survey quality to support business opportunities.
The leading applications within the hydrographic survey equipment market are hydrographic or bathymetry survey, port and harbor management, offshore oil and gas survey, cable or pipeline route survey, and others.
North America is the largest regional market for the hydrographic survey equipment market.
The hydrographic survey equipment market was valued at $3120.7 as of 2020 with a projected growth rate of 5.73% CAGR during the forecast period.
The Key players operating in the hydrographic survey equipment market are Edgetech, Innomar Technologie GmbH, Ixblue SaS, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Sonardyne International Ltd, Syqwest Inc, Teledyne Technologies Inc, Tritech International Limited, Valeport Ltd, and Xylem.
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