Digitalization of the maritime industry

Growth opportunities in the software market

hero shipping
  • November 04, 2024

The maritime industry is facing a digital transformation that could yield substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Our latest report reveals that the market for maritime software is poised for significant growth, driven by new regulations and the increasing demand for sustainable solutions.

Historically, the maritime sector has struggled with inefficiencies in the value chain, primarily due to manual processes and a lack of real-time information. The push for greater efficiency and sustainability is driving significant growth in the maritime software market. Norwegian companies are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this development through innovation and strategic investments.

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– The maritime software market is poised for significant growth. Optimizing fuel and route selection, along with improving maintenance routines and crew management, presents substantial cost-saving opportunities.

Anders Brun,Managing Partner Strategy& Norway

Rapid Market Growth

Our report projects that the maritime software market will grow at an annual rate of 10 percent , from approximately USD 1.8 billion in 2023 to USD 2.9 billion by 2028, with significantly higher growth rates in certain market segments. This growth is driven by different trends such as increased digitalisation and new IMO regulations that enforces improved energy efficiency and environmental performance from ships.

Anders Brun is head of Strategy& in Norway

– For investors, the market hits the sweet spot at the intersection of technology and sustainability, both of which are highly attractive investment themes for private equity and other investors, says Brun.

Navigating the Maritime Software Landscape

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Increased Investor Interest

Since 2018, there has been a notable rise in global transactions within the maritime software sector, particularly over the past 3-4 years, with significant interest from private equity firms. 

High transaction activity has been observed in segments such as navigation and fuel performance, as well as HSEQ and administration. PwC Deals and Strategy& have provided commercial and financial due diligence on several of these transactions.

The Future of Maritime Software

The market is still highly fragmented, and the introduction of new innovative solutions presents substantial opportunities for value creation and continued growth, both organically and through acquisitions. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant potential to revolutionize the maritime industry by enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and decision-making processes. AI technologies, such as machine learning and predictive analytics, enable the optimization of route planning, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules. By analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources, AI can provide actionable insights that help shipping companies make more informed strategic decisions.

While the benefits of AI are clear, the maritime industry faces several challenges in its implementation. High costs, the need for specialized expertise, and concerns about data security and privacy are significant barriers. However, with strategic planning and investment, these challenges can be addressed, paving the way for widespread adoption of AI technologies.

Contact us

Anders Brun

Anders Brun

Partner, PwC Norway

Tel: +47 98 20 40 10

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