AIS Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Automatic Identification System Market size is estimated at USD 410.20 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 567.40 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.70% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

AIS (Automatic Identification System) is the mariner's most significant development in navigation safety since the introduction of radar. This is a digital positional awareness system operating in the Very High Frequency (VHF) maritime band. Its purpose is to help identify ships, assist in target tracking, assist in search and rescue operations, simplify information exchange, and provide additional information to assist situational awareness (International Maritime Organization (IMO)).

Key Highlights

• As per UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2023, global maritime trade grew by 2.4% to 12.3 billion tons, rebounding from the 2022 contraction. The sector is projected to grow by 2% in 2024 and an average of 2.4% annually through 2029. Demand for iron ore, coal, and grains remains strong, while the container trade was up just 0.3% in 2023 and is expected to rebound by 3.5% in 2024, contingent on supply chain stabilization. A record of almost 250,000 port calls by container ships in the second half of 2023 was driven by growing trade and longer routes, causing some congestion, especially in Asia, which handles 63% of global container trade.
• Driven by expanding international trade, a booming e-commerce landscape, and a rising demand for energy resources, the global maritime industry is experiencing a notable uptick in vessel traffic. This increase in maritime activity is propelling the growth of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) market, underscoring the escalating need for enhanced vessel monitoring, navigation safety, and port efficiency.
• As globalization reshapes supply chains and consumer demand surges, the volume of goods transported by sea has risen. The International Chamber of Shipping highlights that over 90% of global trade relies on international shipping, underscoring the necessity for robust vessel tracking systems like AIS to efficiently manage this burgeoning traffic.
• Global logistics company Kuehne + Nagel reports that global volumes surged by 10.7 million TEUs in 2024, compared to the previous year. While seven trade lanes faced a downturn, collectively dropping 920,000 TEU, the other 42 lanes enjoyed a boost, amassing an increase of 11.6 million TEU. At the year's outset, China's ports grappled with significant congestion. Notably, Shanghai set a record in January 2025, handling 5 million containers. This surge was largely attributed to companies hastening shipments to sidestep impending US tariffs and in anticipation of an extended local holiday.
• Despite the Automatic Identification System (AIS) being pivotal for maritime safety, security, and operational efficiency in the AIS market, its limitations in range and reporting pose challenges. Despite the Automatic Identification System (AIS) being pivotal for maritime safety, security, and operational efficiency in the AIS market, its limitations in range and reporting pose challenges. These challenges are especially pronounced for long-range vessel monitoring and operations in remote areas, curtailing the full potential of AIS as maritime traffic and global shipping routes expand.

Automatic Identification System Market Trends

Vessel Tracking to Witness Major Market Share

• Vessel tracking continuously monitors ships' real-time positions, movements, and navigational statuses through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). AIS transponders on vessels relay vital information—like position, speed, course, and vessel identification—to other ships, coastal stations, and satellites. This tracking not only bolsters maritime safety and security but also enhances operational efficiency, making it essential for stakeholders such as port authorities, shipping companies, coast guards, and maritime logistics providers.
• AIS broadcasts live data on a vessel's latitude, longitude, speed, and heading, enabling real-time monitoring of ship movements. By showcasing nearby vessels and their trajectories, AIS assists captains and navigation officers in sidestepping potential collisions, particularly in congested or high-risk zones. Furthermore, AIS bolsters rescue operations by pinpointing the exact locations of distressed vessels and nearby ships, thereby enhancing response times and coordination.
• Port authorities and traffic management centers leverage AIS to oversee and regulate vessel traffic, curbing congestion and ensuring seamless docking and berthing. Beyond real-time monitoring, AIS archives historical tracking data, facilitating analyses of past voyages for route optimization, incident investigations, and performance evaluations.
• For instance, Kpler SAS, a provider of vessel tracking and fleet management services, grants access to up to five years of historical positional data, aiding in steering clear of overcrowded or perilous routes, ultimately saving time and cutting costs.
• Asia's leading container ports are Shanghai, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In the U.S., Los Angeles and Long Beach stand as the nation's primary container hubs. Europe's major ports are found in Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp. Container ships dominate seaborne trade in terms of value, making container handling a pivotal revenue source for port operations.
• In 2024, Russian seaports handled over 886 million metric tons of cargo, marking a year-on-year increase and setting a new record for throughput. Notably, liquid bulk cargo constituted approximately 50% of this total, as reported by the Association of Marine Commercial Ports.
• By merging AIS with predictive analytics, ports can forecast vessel arrivals, fine-tune cargo schedules, and expedite customs processes, leading to diminished delays and heightened performance. AIS fosters fluid communication among vessels, port operators, terminal managers, and logistics entities. Such enhanced coordination curtails miscommunication, delays, and optimizes resource utilization at ports.
• By bolstering operational efficiency, curtailing expenses, and championing sustainability, AIS is central to the modernization of port operations, aligning with the surging demands of global trade. As smart port initiatives and digital evolution progress, the dependence on AIS technology is poised to intensify.

Asia-Pacific Expected to Witness Major Growth

• The Asia-Pacific automatic identification system (AIS) market is experiencing growth due to the increasing need to optimize vessel dwell time and improve port performance. Expanding maritime trade, rising cargo volumes, and the demand for real-time vessel tracking are driving AIS adoption. Advanced AIS technologies enhance port efficiency by reducing congestion and streamlining vessel scheduling.
• Regional investments in smart port infrastructure and strict maritime safety regulations further support market expansion. Countries such as China, Japan, and Singapore are leading in the adoption of AIS solutions. Additionally, integration with IoT and AI tools is improving data analytics for better decision-making, fostering market growth.
• In November 2024, ZTE Corporation, a leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, collaborated with China Telecom’s Shanghai Branch to deploy an advanced 5 G-A smart vessel traffic service system. This initiative highlights ZTE's commitment to transforming traditional vessel traffic services with 5 G-A technological advancements. ZTE's efforts were recognized with the "First Prize" at the 7th "Blooming Cup" 5G Application Competition, Shanghai Regional Contest, showcasing their shared vision of enhancing value and driving digital innovation in waterway management.
• In January 2025, Japan selected Shield AI’s V-BAT unmanned aircraft system as the country’s first maritime-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform. Shield AI stated that the award marks the beginning of a multi-year partnership, enabling the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to procure multiple V-BAT units.
• The Diplomat previously reported that the Japanese cabinet had approved the purchase of six V-BAT drones worth USD 25.4 million as part of the country’s defense budget for fiscal year 2025. These UAVs will be deployed on the service’s patrol vessels, enhancing Tokyo’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. V-BAT supports a variety of customizable payloads and sensors, including electro-optical/mid-wave infrared cameras, automatic identification systems, and artificial intelligence-based land or maritime wide-area search capabilities.

Automatic Identification System Industry Overview

The market is dominated by the well-established players in the market. Major innovations and increases in partnerships by players with maritime security agencies are leading to the massive demand for AIS solutions among players. The innovations are increasing the rivalry among the well-established players in the market.​

However, brand identity plays a crucial role in shaping the competition in the market, with large and established players attaining a significant advantage over new entrants and regional players.

Particularly in the security field, buyers tend to trust established international conglomerates much more than independent firms.

The level of market penetration is high, as many end-user industries across the world have adopted AIS and are long-term clients of the established AIS vendors. The vendors have a global presence, which helps them gain a strong market share.​

Hence, companies are striving to expand their offerings in the market by employing powerful competitive strategies, such as partnerships, acquisitions, etc. Moreover, the probability of entry of new players is also moderate in the market. All these factors in the market make the intensity of competitive rivalry high for the players in the market.​

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