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 of ENC (Electronic Navigational Charts) Market

By Type:

Leading Segment: Vector Navigational Charts (VNCs)

Vector navigational charts (VNCs) dominate the ENC market, making up the largest portion of the market share. VNCs provide more flexibility & accuracy compared to raster navigational charts (RNCs), particularly in terms of data manipulation and integration with real-time navigational systems. These charts are highly favored in commercial shipping, defense, and military applications where high-precision navigation is crucial. With the increasing demand for automated and advanced navigation systems, the preference for VNCs is expected to continue growing. Major shipping routes and military operations rely on VNCs for accurate and reliable navigation data.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)

Although VNCs are dominant, RNCs represent the fastest-growing segment of the ENC market. This growth is primarily due to their lower cost & ease of use. RNCs are often preferred in regions with less sophisticated infrastructure or in less complex navigation systems, such as smaller vessels and local shipping operations. The increased adoption of low-cost, portable systems that incorporate RNCs for smaller-scale operations, particularly in recreational boating & regional shipping, is driving this segment’s rapid growth.

 

By Platform:

Leading Segment: Shipborne ENC Systems

Shipborne ENC systems hold the largest share in the platform segment, driven by the growing demand for real-time, on-board navigational data in commercial shipping, military vessels, and large fishing fleets. These systems provide integrated solutions with navigational charts, positioning, and other crucial maritime information directly on vessels. As shipping activities increase globally & the need for enhanced maritime safety grows, shipborne ENC systems remain the dominant platform for ENC data usage.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Shore-Based ENC Systems

Shore-based ENC systems are the fastest-growing platform in the market, driven by the increasing use of port monitoring systems and coastal surveillance. Shore-based systems enable real-time tracking of vessels, support maritime traffic management & enhance port safety. As international trade expands & the focus on port security & management intensifies, shore-based systems are seeing higher adoption, particularly in developed economies with busy ports & shipping routes.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Commercial Shipping

Commercial shipping remains the largest application for ENC systems, making up a significant share of the market. ENC technology is critical for navigation & route planning in the global shipping industry, where accuracy & safety are paramount. With the rising global trade, the commercial shipping industry continues to drive the demand for ENC systems. VNCs are particularly favored in this sector, as they provide real-time data & support precise navigation across international shipping lanes.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Recreational Boats

Recreational boating is the fastest-growing application segment for ENC systems, driven by increasing interest in leisure boating and recreational water activities. ENC systems for recreational boats are becoming more affordable & accessible, allowing boat owners to access detailed navigational information even in less developed maritime regions. The growth of the recreational boating industry, combined with technological advancements in portable ENC systems, is propelling the demand in this segment.

 

By End-User:

Leading Segment: Shipping Companies

Shipping companies are the largest end-user of ENC systems, as they depend on accurate & real-time navigational charts to ensure efficient and safe operations. ENC systems enable shipping companies to plan optimal routes, avoid hazards, and comply with international maritime regulations. As global shipping volumes rise, particularly in emerging markets, the shipping sector continues to be the largest consumer of ENC technology.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Government and Defense Organizations

Government and defense organizations represent the fastest-growing end-user segment, with ENC systems playing a crucial role in naval operations, defense applications, and national security. With growing geopolitical concerns & increasing defense budgets, the demand for ENC technology in military vessels & naval applications is expanding. ENC systems are used for both strategic navigation & tactical operations, contributing to the growth in this segment.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest market share for ENC systems, driven by the dominance of the U.S. shipping industry, the presence of large military fleets, and the increasing investment in coastal infrastructure. The U.S. Navy's extensive use of ENC technology & the demand for advanced navigation systems in commercial shipping & defense applications further solidify North America’s position as the leading region in the ENC market.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for ENC systems, driven by rapid industrialization and the increasing volume of maritime trade in countries like China, Japan, and India. The growth of port infrastructure, shipping activities, and naval defense operations in Asia is propelling the demand for ENC systems. Additionally, the region's growing recreational boating market contributes to the rise in demand for ENC technology, particularly in coastal countries with thriving tourism and maritime industries.

 

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

 

ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 2.5 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 4.2 billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.2%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2023 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Type, By Platform, By Application, By End User, By Region
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
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, etc.
Key Market Drivers	Growth in global maritime trade, stringent maritime safety regulations, and advancements in maritime technology.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

 

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.