ENC Market By Type (Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs), Vector Navigational Charts (VNCs)); By Platform (Shipborne ENC Systems, Shore-Based ENC Systems); By Application (Commercial Shipping, Defense and Military Vessels, Fishing Vessels, Recreational Boats); By End User (Shipping Companies, Government and Defense Organizations, Port Authorities, Research Institutions); By Geography, Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

The enc market size was USD 2.5 billion in 2023, and it is forecast to grow at 7.2% CAGR between 2024 and 2030 and reach USD 4.2 billion by the end of the time interval. It is driven by new developments in marine technology, elevating commercialization around the world by sea, and strict rules on the use of safety devices, which call for electronic chart displays.

 

ENCs are high-quality digital charts intended for use in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). They represent the essential geospatial and hydrographic information for secure marine voyages and replace paper charts. For modern ships to create a reliable operating environment, ENCs become essential—providing updates on data, integration with navy systems in the ship, and IAMSAR conventions.

 

Market Drivers

Growth in Global Maritime Trade: The demand for electronic navigational aids inclusive of ENCs has been driven by the globalization of international trade. These challenges of shipping, which are integral to the growth of the industry, call for accurate and safe positioning. Global maritime trade volume in 2023 totals 12 billion tonnes, eighty percent of which is done by sea transportation, where ENCs play a significant part. Example: In 2023 a well-known firm in Europe that is mainly into shipping adopted super smart ENCs with ECDIS to minimize the duration of passages.

 

Stringent Maritime Safety Regulations: Some regulatory organizations, such as the IMO, require the usage of ENCs for particular types of vessels, thus stimulating the market. This regulation helps to maintain the standards and safety requirements of shipping and prevents accidents and harm to the environment. Example: Another regulation the IMO issued is ECDIS compliance, which went into effect in 2022, and as a result, the number of shipping companies that use ENC has risen by 40%.

 

Advancements in Maritime Technology: Enlarged compatibility with modern and sophisticated navigation aids, including real-time weather information, self-drive navigation, and collision detection, and additional reality interface layers, has contributed to the increasing adoption of ENCs. Example: In 2023, a Japanese shipbuilder integrated ENCs with AR displays in general to enhance situational awareness for vessel operators.

 

Market Opportunities

Adoption of Autonomous Vessels: The introduction of autonomous and remotely operated ships has brought into focus the need for enhanced and efficient navigation, and ENCs feature highly in this process. Example: The prospect of ENCs with integrated embedded intelligent navigation systems was first applied to an autonomous cargo ship in Norway, sailing in 2023 and experiencing both successes and challenges on its first voyage.

 

Expansion in Emerging Markets: Originally developed areas such as Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, which are in the process of developing their maritime infrastructure, are potential customers for ENC. Asia-Pacific showed the largest growth rate of demand for ENC in 2023 and took 35% of the total world’s consumption, mainly stimulated by advanced shipping waves and constructions.

 

Integration with Smart Port Technologies: ENCs are being incorporated into smart port systems, allowing vessels and ports to harmonize communications regarding docking and cargo handling. Example: In 2023, a smart port located in Singapore adopted the use of integrated systems that incorporated ENCs, leading to an enhancement of the berthing schedule that cut down the number of ports occupied by 20%.

 

Market Restraints

High Initial Costs: Integrating the ENC systems, both hardware and software, is expensive, an aspect that may keep small shipping companies away.

 

Complexity in Data Integration: Integrating ENCs with traditional navigation systems can be technically demanding and may require an expert professional touch.

 

Cybersecurity Risks: Such a system makes vessels vulnerable to cyber attacks, a factor that shows the significance of protective measures on vessels.

 

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)

• Vector Navigational Charts (VNCs)

 

By Platform:

• Shipborne ENC Systems

• Shore-Based ENC Systems

 

By Application:

• Commercial Shipping

• Defense and Military Vessels

• Fishing Vessels

• Recreational Boats

 

By End User:

• Shipping Companies

• Government and Defense Organizations

• Port Authorities

• Research Institutions

 

By Region:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Segment Analysis

Leading Type: The Vector Navigational Chart (VNC)

Vector Navigational Charts are projected to generate 60% of revenue in 2023 because of their applicability, dynamic operating mode, and ability to incorporate real-time data. In 2023, an American shipping company improved its fleet with VNCs, transforming its route management and safety standards.

 

Leading Application Segment: Commercial Shipping

In 2023, commercial shipping contributed 50% of revenues, mainly due to the growth in international trade and the adoption of IMO’s ECDIS standards. Example: In 2023, a Chinese logistics firm installed an ENC-based navigation system for its container fleet, increasing transit efficiency by 18%.

 

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region, and it accounted for 40% of global revenue in 2023 owing to the healthy sea-going activity, increasing port facility, and government policies.  In 2023, the highest consumption of Asian ENC was observed in China, Japan, and South Korea, and it constitutes 70% of the Asia-Pacific region because of its significance in shipborne trade. Example: In 2023, one of the South Korean shipbuilders of newly built-up vessels installed the ENC-compatible ECDIS systems and increased export operations by as much as 15 percent.

North America has the largest market share because of enhanced maritime facilities, well-implemented safety measures, and early adoption of digital navigation systems. Example: In 2023, a Canadian shipping company introduced/adopted ENC-based navigation on its vessels, improving the fleet's performance and compliance with all industry rules and regulations.

 

Europe constitutes approximately 30 % of global revenues; hence, Europe has a large extended maritime channel system, well-decaled regulatory procedures, and has invested heavily in smart port developments. Example: A German-based shipping company integrated ENC systems in 2022 to afford IMO compliance and enhance cargo tracking.

 

Key Players

• C-MAP

• Navionics (Garmin Ltd.)

• Transas Marine Ltd.

• Jeppesen Marine (Boeing)

• ChartWorld International

• SevenCs GmbH

• Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

• Tokyo Keiki Inc.

• Wärtsilä Corporation

• Raytheon Anschütz

 

Future Outlook

The market for electronic navigational charts is expected to grow continuously based on factors such as technological improvement in maritime services, internationalization of trades, and emission-free automated Shipping Services. Asia-Pacific and Latin American countries will be particularly important; growth in maritime facilities and commercial operations will contribute to this necessity.

 

Companies that pay due attention to software security, immediate interaction, and integration of data terminals and devices and develop more friendly interfaces are likely to have a competitive advantage. Even by 2030, ENCs will continue to provide the primary means to facilitate safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime navigation.