NSR Report: Maritime Satcom to Exceed 75,000 VSAT-enabled Vessels by 2028

Cambridge, Mass., May 1, 2019 — NSR’s Maritime Satcom Markets, 7th Edition report, forecasts VSAT-enabled Maritime vessels to grow from over 20,000 vessels in 2018 to over 75,000 by 2028. Generating almost US$ 42 billion in cumulative revenues between 2018 – 2028, the Maritime satcom connectivity market has never looked more promising, NSR concluded.

“Setting aside some weakness in the Offshore Oil & Gas Sector, the Maritime connectivity markets are moving in high-gear,” states Brad Grady, principal analyst and report author. “The right combination of price, end-user requirements, and connectivity demand is having a significant impact on the market. With new investments across the throughput spectrum, there is one clear message – a significant part of the maritime market has become unlocked for broadband satellite connectivity. Falling capacity prices in addition to lower equipment costs have opened the next-tier of Maritime end-users, accelerating adoption rates, and unlocking more vessels. FSS and MSS will play pivotal roles in generating retail revenues, but HTS from GEO and Non-GEO is the growth story.”

At over US$ 2.5 Billion in retail revenue in 2018, growing at an average 7.8% over the next ten years, the seas have the potential to generate significant connectivity revenues for the satellite Industry. Merchant vs. Passenger, VSAT vs. MSS, GEO vs. Non-GEO – all are key dynamics fundamentally shifting how vessel owners approach connectivity solutions, NSR said.

Each market will provide unique advantages across the Maritime satcom value-chain. For Satellite Operators, the Passenger markets (Ocean and River Cruises, Ferries) will require truly massive amounts of connectivity – exceeding 870 Gbps by 2028. For Service Providers, Merchant vessels are adopting VSAT connectivity at unprecedented rates, adding over 40k vessels between 2018 to 2028.

For Equipment manufacturers, Fishing and Leisure markets are expected to post some of the best growth rates for equipment revenues, at almost 8% and over 12% CAGR between 2018 – 2028, respectively. Offshore Oil & Gas, however, will continue to face near-term challenges, but by 2028 will show some signs of positive revenue growth.

Bottom Line, with a forecast of over US$ 5.3 Billion in Retail Revenues by 2028, smooth waters are ahead for Maritime satcom connectivity, concludes NSR.