Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Size - By Equipment, By System, By Application, By End Use, By Sales Channel, Growth Forecast 2025 - 2034

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Size

The global marine dynamic positioning system market size was valued at USD 9.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to register a CAGR of 12.6% between 2025 and 2034.
 

The market has been growing rapidly and is poised to grow significantly in the future. Growing offshore exploration and production activities, maritime research, and other specialized naval vessels will all require general-purpose DPS systems or specialized systems that are effective for high-precision station keeping capabilities. Recent advancements in control systems, sensors, and automation technologies have made DPS systems more efficient and reliable which have put them at the center of modern maritime operations.
 

In addition, the future of powerful dynamic positioning will rely on the growing capabilities of AI-based control technologies and predictive maintenance software which will lower operational risks and fuel consumption by leveraging real-time data. The Asia-Pacific DPS market is growing as the stand viewed as one of the significant regional markets for DPS. As China invests heavily in offshore infrastructure and offshore renewable energy project developments are increasing, many governments in the Asia-Pacific region are making investments to expand existing maritime capabilities which includes having ships that do not rely heavily on traditional anchoring systems.
 

The DPS market poised a rapidly expanding and relatively strong market position for the foreseeable future as technological and operational considerations will affect the existing and expanded offshore projects. Finally, the market developments surrounding DPS will always be impacted by the global priorities around efficiency and safety concerning ocean and lake experiences.
 

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Trends

• The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to DPS is transforming marine operations. AI algorithms can process data from many sensors in real-time, and as a result, the algorithm can make autonomous navigation adjustments to the positioning of the vessel as it encounters changing environmental factors. Predictive analytics can enhance maintenance programs by using performance data of the equipment to predict what can fail and when.
   
• This has ripple effects reducing failures, improving efficiency for shipping companies, and reducing downtime with the goal of being cost-effective. With the continued improvement of technologies, there will be efficient and safe operation in complex offshore environments, and the previously unimaginable will take center stage. For instance, Furuno USA, who brought on the FAR2XX8MK2 series of commercial radars in July 2024 to help improve the navigational safety and efficiency of their commercial sea users. The FAR2XX8MK2 series has vastly improved upon existing functionality with improved and clear images.
   
• The global trend toward renewable energy resources is resulting in the installation of more offshore wind and tidal energy resources. The construction and maintenance of these installations will require precise positioning which drives the growth of heading and dynamic positioning systems (DPS). The ability of DPS to position the vessel anywhere without anchoring is critically important when making decisions in the deep-water sites where these renewable energy resources will be built and depend on DPS's success for deployment as well as ongoing operation of any offshore renewable infrastructure.
   
• With growing environmental regulations and an emphasis on maritime safety, DPS are also part of the strategies used to ensure compliance. DPS reduces the risk of collision and grounding threat by providing precise vessel positioning and protecting fragile marine environments. DPS provides environmentally friendly fuel cost savings by trying to align movement as efficiently as possible which is consistent with the global movement to ensure fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
   

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Analysis

Based on equipment, the marine dynamic positioning system market is divided into control systems, power systems, and thruster systems. In 2024, the control systems segment held 45% of the market share and it is expected that the market for this segment will generate revenue of USD 11 billion by 2034.
 

• As offshore operations evolve and become increasingly complex, the role of control systems in marine dynamic positioning system (DPS) continues to expand. Control systems have undergone drastic improvement and evolution within DPS in terms of improved control algorithms, intuitive human-machine interfaces, and automation that now enable a vessel to hold steady even in extreme conditions.
   
• In April 2024, Wärtsilä raised the standard level of offshore dynamic positioning with its efficient thruster and propulsion control package. This new offer demonstrates the importance of control systems as part of the underlying technology in any DPS, since it could provide the ability to receive data from sensors including GPS, gyroscopes, motion reference units, compute received data from the sensors, and then accurately control the vessel.
   
• The introduction of new and improved next-generation control packages like those provided by Wärtsilä could help spur the growth of control systems as a main driver in the segment and continues to make control systems one of the dominant and rapidly changing segments for the global DPS market.

Based on the system, the marine dynamic positioning system market is divided into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Class 2 segment dominated the market accounting for 55% share in 2024.
 

• Class 2 DPS has a wide application in offshore drilling, subsea construction, and other marine environments where system integrity is critical. Their history of operational, accurate position and heading maintenance in challenging scenarios has made the industry leader in offshore robustness and performance standards.
   
• Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems with Equipment Class 2 (DP2) credentials consist of a D.P. controller with advanced controlled features and redundancy provision, which through a critical failure will permit the vessel to stay operational. Such DP systems will hold a reputation for being dependable or even error-proof to their operators.
   
• During offshore operations the crew has the assurance that, with D.P., reliable operational uptime can be expected, regardless of any critical failure occurring. Due to cost-benefit and high reliability, Class 2 D.P. systems are the most common level of reliability, with operators seeking strong reliable positioning while avoiding the complexity and higher capital costs of using Class 3 D.P. equipment.
   

Based on application, the marine dynamic positioning system market is categorized into offshore vessels, offshore platforms, naval vessels, and others. The offshore vessels segment held a market share of 50% in 2024 and the services segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 11% during the forecast period.
 

• Offshore operations are expanding as new industries emerge—such as renewable energy and deep-sea activities—and therefore there will be more need for vessels with a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) and subsequently innovative training and/or certification systems. In July 2024, Hornbeck Offshore commissioned the Wärtsilä NaviTrainer Professional 6 Offshore Simulator (NT Pro 6), a cutting-edge Dynamic Positioning (DP) training solution. This was only after receiving interim certification by the Offshore Service Vessel Dynamic Positioning Authority (OSVDPA).
   
• This progression indicates there is an ever-increasing focus on improving regulatory compliance and crew readiness in offshore operations. Offshore vessels (i.e. supply, construction) rely upon DPS for maintaining position while carrying out various activities such as drilling, pipe-laying, subsea maintenance, etc. that require precise station-keeping. DPS is continually important as it allows the vessel to maintain position without anchoring while in deep-water and into the future in ecologically sensitive environments where anchoring is prohibited and/or generally impractical for operations.
   

Based on end use, the marine dynamic positioning system market is divided into oil & gas, offshore renewable energy, defense & naval, marine research, and commercial shipping. The oil & gas segment dominated the market accounting for more than 45% of the market share in 2024.
 

• The oil and gas industry are still the principal market for dynamic positioning systems (DPS) because the oil and gas industry rely on these systems for exploration, drilling, and production in extreme offshore environments. For example, the installation of the Enping 20-4 installation has also mitigated risks to operational safety and improved the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of complex operations with DPS technologies. Given the ongoing deep-water exploration and the need for affordable energy extraction, the oil and gas industry’s demand for high-performance and dependable DPS solutions will grow at a steady rate.
   
• In May 2023, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) successfully completed the dynamic positioning float-over installation of the Enping 20-4 platform, which is an offshore oil and gas structure weighing over 15,000 tons, in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, Guangdong Province. This installation created a new national record for the heaviest platform installation and represents an important milestone for offshore engineering capability, which demonstrates the essential role of Dynamic Positioning Systems (DPS) in large oil and gas projects.
   

Based on sales channels, the marine dynamic positioning system market is divided into OEM      and Aftermarket. OEM segment dominated the market accounting for USD 6 billion in 2024.
 

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) occupy a unique and vital position in the marine dynamic positioning system (DPS) market by integrating such technology into new builds of ships. The close working relationship between ship builders and OEMs in the design and build phase makes it possible for the DPS equipment to be designed to easily work within the architecture of the ship. This relationship enables the DPS equipment to be designed not only to increase performance and reliability, but to also be compliant with international regulations as well as classification standards.
   
• OEMs provide a customized DPS system, specific to the type of ship, which identifies clearly the operational limits of the vessel, whether an Offshore Supply Vessel, drilling rig, or Installation Vessel. OEMs can provide a fully tailored system which is ready for deployment, thereby minimizing installation time complexity for operators. The OEM sales channel continues to grow with ship operators increasingly requesting technologically advanced and compliant vessels to increase operational competitiveness.

In 2024, the U.S. dominate the North America marine dynamic positioning system market sector with revenue USD 2 billion.
 

• The U.S. has a large share of the marine dynamic positioning system (DPS) market due to the country's strong offshore oil and gas activities especially in the Gulf of Mexico, where operations require high precision to operate safely and effectively in complex marine environments. The country's existing marine infrastructure and the best offshore service providers in the world also drove demand and adoption of different levels of DPS across a range of offshore industries.
   
• As the U.S. continues to develop DPS systems for offshore oil and gas operations, it is also increasingly developing DPS for naval operations, project development, and renewable energy (e.g., offshore wind farms) as well. Additionally, U.S. government initiatives aimed at improved maritime safety, reducing environmental risk, and supported by enhanced navigation systems continues to drive the DPS market. With the evolving landscape of industrial demand for DPS and government support, the U.S. will continue to be a key player in innovation and growth of the global market.
   

Predictions suggest that from 2025-2034, the UK marine dynamic positioning system market will grow tremendously.
 

• The DPS market in the UK is trending positively because of the UK's buoyant offshore wind energy sector and ongoing oil and gas activity in the North Sea. With the increased focus on renewable energy solutions, there has been an increased demand for precision and reliability in vessel positioning, resulting in widespread adoption of sophisticated DPS, particularly across offshore wind farm installation and maintenance vessels. The UK's high safety regulation standards at sea also encourage the uptake of high-performance positioning systems in carrying out a level of reassurance over safety of operations, sustainability, and environmental protection.
   
• Government institutions, research institutions, and private industry partnerships are driving future innovations in DPS technology. They support strategic research, pilot projects, and the development of next-generation systems designed for the challenges of offshore operations. With sustainability and safety and development of advanced technology as key focus areas, the UK will undoubtedly continue to establish its position as a leading innovation hub for DPS and a key contributor to the global market's performance.
   

The marine dynamic positioning system market in China will experience prosperous growth during the prediction period from 2025 to 2034.
 

• China captures market share of the marine dynamic positioning systems (DPS) because of its growing offshore infrastructure and added maritime capabilities. As China rapidly pursues offshore wind farms and major deep-sea activities, the need for enhancing DPS technology continues to grow.  Notably, these systems provide the needed precision, safety, and efficiency required for offshore activities.
   
• Additionally, the Chinese government is promoting the growth of the maritime industry for modernization and technological self-reliance. Policies aimed at promoting technological advances and funding high-tech marine equipment are paving the way for improved capability of DPS in state-owned and private offshore investments.  With the current combination of commercial growth and regulatory support, China could be recognized as a significant fixture in the market.
   

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Share

• The top companies in the marine dynamic positioning system industry are ABB, GE Vernova, Kongsberg, L3 Harris, Japan Radio Company, Rolls Royce, and Volvo Penta. These companies are holding around 24% of the market share in 2024.
   
• ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation technologies as they offer integrated DPS solutions that improve efficiency and safety on the vessel. The systems are reliable and are already accepted in different parts of the maritime industry. GE Vernova is built around energy transition technologies. They offer advanced DPS that improve sustainable energy operations offshore and support the complete line of vessel management systems. Their systems are designed for high performance in extreme conditions.
   
• Kongsberg of Norway is a proven provider of maritime automation systems including DPS. They provide completely easy to integrate solutions that include their advanced systems interacting with all other systems aboard the vessel to ensure optimal performance.
   
• L3 Harris provides advanced innovative DPS that support defense and commercial applications in maritime operations with detailed specifications for reliability in complex operations. Japan Radio Company specializes in marine electronics and is a provider of DPS that combines the latest navigation systems with contemporary marine communication systems leading to increased control of the vessel.
   

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market Companies

Major players operating in the marine dynamic positioning system industry include:

• ABB
• GE Vernova
• Kongsberg
• L3 Harris
• Marine Technologies
• Rolls Royce
• Volvo Penta
• Wartsila
• Xenta Systems
   

Leading stakeholders in the marine dynamic positioning system (DPS) market are continuing to work strategic partnerships; collaborations; joint ventures (JV); mergers and acquisitions (M&A); and product development initiatives to innovate and develop their existing market share actively. By developing innovative technologies through automation and AI-enabled technologies, companies can more easily keep pace with client and operational requirements across various maritime industries.
 

Also, partnerships with technology and telecommunication vendors are helping DPS vendors diversify their portfolios, target new customer segments, and apply scalable cloud-based AI applications to generate further engagement and improve network efficiencies, thereby improving application performance, positional systems performance and customer engagement. Additionally, global DPS vendors are investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to produce more cost-efficient systems (DPS); enhance system performance (DPS); and to further develop AI in marine (mobile) applications. Increased R&D investment is critical to pace with developing technologies and adapting solutions to offshore service activities which change or morph into an operational timeframe.
 

Marine Dynamic Positioning System Industry News

• In March 2025, The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) awarded Kongsberg Maritime Approval in Principle (AiP) for its Dynamic Positioning Digital Survey (DPDS) application. The DPDS application and platform show new potential for digitalizing the data collection process from a vessel's dynamic positioning system while shifting annual DP surveys away from conventional onboard inspections to a remote analysis of the vessel's data.
   
• In February 2025, Seadrill publicly launched a new dynamic positioning with mooring capabilities system for Offshore Construction Vessels (OSCVs). OSCVs with the new system can pre-lay their mooring lines, as well as undertake installations for suction anchors. This innovation provides OSCVs with increased capabilities. The innovation also increases the availability of vessels for large scale mooring systems, while enhanced project delivery capability.
   
• In May 2024 Seadrill announced it would add two new ultra-deepwater drillships to its fleet outfitted with current dynamic positioning systems, along with innovations to enhance efficient deepwater oil and gas operations.
   
• In January 2024, MarineTech Solutions rolled out a new dynamic positioning system enabled by IoT sensors and big data analytics across its new fleet. The new DPS has the capability to monitor the ship in real-time, gain predictive maintenance capabilities, while optimizing spatial navigation accuracy.
   

The marine dynamic positioning system market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Equipment

• Control system
  • DP control console
  • Position reference system
  • Motion sensors
• Power system
  • Generators
  • Switchboards
  • Power management system
• Thruster system
  • Tunnel thrusters
  • Azimuth thrusters
  • Voith schneider propellers

Market, By System

• Class 1
• Class 2
• Class 3

Market, By Application

• Offshore Vessels
  • Platform supply vessels (PSVs)
  • Anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTSVs)
  • Dive support vessels (DSVs)
  • ROV support vessels
• Offshore Platforms
  • Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) Units
  • Semi-submersibles
  • Drilling Rigs
• Naval Vessels
  • Research and survey vessels
  • Mine hunters
• Others
  • Cruise ships
  • Ferries
  • Cable-laying ships
  • Wind farm installation vessels

Market, By End Use

• Oil & Gas
• Offshore renewable energy
• Defense & naval
• Marine research
• Commercial shipping

Market, Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Belgium
  • Sweden
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE