North America ROV Market
North America ROV Market By Size (Observation Class, Small, Work Class), Application (Military & Defense, Oil & Gas, Environmental Protection & Monitoring, Oceanography, Archaeology & Exploration), System, Speed, Propulsion, and Country - Forecast to 2030
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The remotely operated vehicle market in North America is projected to grow from USD 0.78 billion in 2025 to USD 1.14 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.9%. In terms of volume, it will reach 8,256 units by 2030, from 4,614 units in 2025. This growth is driven by rising demand for advanced subsea inspection, expanding offshore energy activities, and increasing adoption of ROVs across defense and critical infrastructure applications.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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By CountryThe US is estimated to account for an 84.0% revenue share in 2025.
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By SizeThe observation class segment is projected to record the highest CAGR of 11.6% between 2025 and 2030.
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By ApplicationMilitary & defense is expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period.
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Competitive LandscapeL3Harris Technologies, Inc., Teledyne SeaBotix, and Oceaneering International were identified as star players in the remotely operated vehicle market in North America, given their strong market share and product footprint.
The remotely operated vehicle market in North America is witnessing accelerated demand driven by increased investment in subsea asset integrity, technological advancements in electric and hybrid ROV systems, and widening use cases across commercial, industrial, and security sectors.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
The impact on customers’ customers in the remotely operated vehicle market in North America is influenced by rising needs for remote inspection, offshore infrastructure monitoring, and next-generation digital workflows across deepwater, coastal, and inland environments. End users are shifting toward remote operations centers, ROV–USV integrated missions, and AI-assisted inspection models to enhance safety, reduce vessel dependence, and improve operational continuity. Growing emphasis on automation, resident docking systems, and advanced imaging sensors is strengthening efficiency and accelerating demand for modern ROV platforms, data-rich inspection services, and mission-critical subsea capabilities across the region.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
Level
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Rapid adoption of high-resolution imaging and survey technologies
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Expansion of inland and near-shore infrastructure inspection activities
Level
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Limited interoperability across multi-vendor subsea systems
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Slow modernization of regulatory frameworks for autonomous and remote ROV operations
Level
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Growth of data analytics, AI-based anomaly detection, and digital twin services
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Elevated demand for ROVs in subsea telecom and power cable monitoring
Level
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Operational disruptions due to extreme weather variability and short weather windows
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Logistics complexity for mobilizing equipment to remote or Arctic locations
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Rapid adoption of high-resolution imaging and survey technologies
Energy operators, port authorities, and infrastructure owners in North America are increasingly relying on HD video, multibeam sonar, and laser-scanning ROV payloads to meet stricter inspection and integrity-management standards. This shift toward data-rich workflows is expanding demand for advanced ROV systems capable of delivering higher accuracy, faster assessments, and improved decision-making.
Restraint: Limited interoperability across multi-vendor subsea systems
ROV operators often face integration challenges when connecting navigation sensors, tooling, datasets, and client platforms sourced from different vendors. This fragmentation increases engineering time, elevates deployment costs, and slows operational readiness across US and Canadian offshore and near-shore projects.
Opportunity: Growth of data analytics, AI-based anomaly detection, and digital twin services
North American operators are investing heavily in AI-driven inspection platforms that automatically identify defects, classify anomalies, and feed digital-twin models for predictive maintenance. This creates higher-margin service opportunities for ROV providers as clients shift from raw video delivery to insight-based integrity solutions.
Challenge: Operational disruptions due to extreme weather variability and short weather windows
Hurricanes, Arctic conditions, and rapidly shifting marine weather patterns in the Gulf of Mexico, US East Coast, and Atlantic Canada restrict safe deployment windows. These conditions increase scheduling complexity, prolong project timelines, and elevate vessel and ROV utilization risks for service providers.
North America ROV Market: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
 |
Energy operators required advanced subsea inspection and intervention services across deepwater Gulf of Mexico assets, including pipeline surveys, riser inspections, and complex repair programs, where traditional inspection methods could not meet depth, precision, or safety requirements. | Enables high-accuracy asset integrity assessment, reduces downtime by accelerating fault detection and repair, enhances operational safety by reducing diver exposure, and ensures continuous production across aging deepwater infrastructure. |
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Pipeline operators needed high-resolution seabed and buried-pipeline surveys for integrity verification, burial depth validation, and anomaly detection, particularly across challenging seabed conditions where conventional acoustic tools delivered insufficient detail. | Improves survey accuracy using ultra-high-resolution imaging, supports predictive maintenance through detailed anomaly mapping, reduces inspection time compared to traditional towed systems, and strengthens compliance with regulatory integrity-management requirements. |
 |
Port authorities, utilities, and civil engineering firms required reliable inspection of submerged infrastructure such as dams, intake systems, pilings, and confined-space reservoirs where diver deployment posed safety risks or operational constraints. | Enables safe, non-disruptive inspections without diver intervention, reduces operational downtime for critical assets, lowers inspection cost for inland and near-shore structures, and enhances structural assessment through HD visual data and real-time diagnostics. |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The remotely operated vehicle market ecosystem in North America is shaped by prominent OEMs such as L3Harris, Teledyne, Oceaneering, and Forum Energy, supported by specialized innovators, including Deep Trekker, International Submarine Engineering, Oceanbotics, and MarineNav. These companies integrate advanced sensing suites, high-performance manipulators, and mission-ready tooling to deliver robust ROV systems for naval ISR, port security, subsea infrastructure inspection, and offshore energy operations.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
North America Remotely Operated Vehicle Market, By Size
Work-class ROVs dominate the North American market, as their high power, advanced tooling capability, and ability to operate at greater depths make them ideal for deepwater inspection, complex intervention tasks, naval ISR missions, and subsea infrastructure maintenance. Their versatility across construction, repair, and heavy-duty operations positions them as the preferred class for offshore energy operators, defense agencies, and scientific institutions.
North America Remotely Operated Vehicle Market, By Propulsion
Electric ROVs are the largest propulsion category, driven by advancements in high-efficiency motors, improved battery systems for lighter units, and enhanced onboard power management technologies. Their quiet operation, lower maintenance requirements, and strong suitability for inspection, monitoring, and defense-related tasks make them suitable for North American offshore operators, government agencies, and environmental monitoring programs.
North America Remotely Operated Vehicle Market, By Application
Military & defense applications remain prevalent, supported by growing investments in subsea ISR, mine countermeasure missions, port security, and undersea threat detection across the US and Canada. Defense agencies increasingly deploy ROVs to enhance domain awareness, secure critical maritime infrastructure, and support multi-mission operations in strategic waters, strengthening their role in national security modernization programs.
REGION
US to be fastest-growing country in North America during forecast period
The US remotely operated vehicle market is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by expanding offshore wind development along the East Coast and increasing federal investment in subsea inspection, defense modernization, and critical infrastructure monitoring.
North America ROV Market: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
In the remotely operated vehicle market in North America, L3Harris (Star) leads with strong market share and an extensive product footprint, supported by its broad portfolio of mission-ready ROV systems deployed across defense, offshore energy, and subsea infrastructure programs. DeepOcean (Emerging Leader) is strengthening its position through advanced work-class capabilities, integrated tooling solutions, and expanding offshore service adoption that enhance operational efficiency and multi-mission performance. While L3Harris maintains leadership through technological depth and large-scale deployment, DeepOcean shows significant potential to advance toward the leaders’ quadrant as demand rises for high-performance, intervention-ready subsea systems across commercial and government sectors.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US)
- Teledyne SeaBotix (US)
- Oceaneering International (US)
- Forum Energy Technologies (US)
- VideoRay (US)
- Deep Ocean Engineering (US)
- Blue Robotics (US)
- Phoenix International Holdings (US)
- Oceanbotics (US)
- Poseidon Robotics (US)
- Strategic Robotic Systems (US)
- SEAMOR Marine (Canada)
- MarineNav (Canada)
- International Submarine Engineering – ISE (Canada)
- Deep Trekker (Canada)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2024 (Value) | USD 0.73 BN |
| Market Forecast in 2030 (Value) | USD 1.14 BN |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 7.9% from 2025–2030 |
| Years Considered | 2021–2030 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025–2030 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD MN/BN), Volume (Units) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Countries Covered | US, Canada |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: North America ROV Market REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Manufacturer | Additional segment breakdown for countries | Additional country-level market sizing tables for segments/sub-segments covered at regional/global level to gain understanding of market potential by each country |
| Emerging Leader | Additional company profiles | Competitive information on targeted players to gain granular insights on direct competition |
| Regional Market Leader | Additional country market estimates | Additional country-level deep dive for more targeted understanding of total addressable market |
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- March 2025 : DeepOcean (US) secured an eight-year subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) contract with Equinor, expanding its work-class ROV service footprint and strengthening long-term operational support for offshore energy infrastructure across North America.
- March 2025 : VideoRay (US), now part of BlueHalo, received a USD 30.7 million contract from the US Navy to supply Mission Specialist Defender ROV systems for the Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response program, enhancing expeditionary undersea security and reconnaissance capability.
- March 2025 : Edison Chouest Offshore (US) acquired ROV manufacturer Kystdesign to expand its subsea robotics portfolio, strengthening domestic ROV production capacity and enabling integrated offshore service delivery for US Gulf and Atlantic operations.
Table of Contents
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Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the North America ROV Market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the North America ROV Market, its adjacent markets, and its parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Demand-side analysis was conducted to estimate the overall market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were employed to estimate the sizes of various segments and subsegments within the North America ROV Market.
Secondary Research
During the secondary research process, various sources were consulted to identify and collect information for this study. The secondary sources included government sources, such as SIPRI; corporate filings, including annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations from companies; white papers, journals, and certified publications; and articles from recognized authors, directories, and databases.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after acquiring information regarding the North America ROV Market scenario through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with market experts from the demand and supply sides across major countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Rest of the world. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
Market Size Estimation
The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the North America ROV Market. The research methodology used to estimate the size of the market included the following details:
- Key players in the North America ROV Market were identified through secondary research, and their market shares were determined through a combination of primary and secondary research. This included a study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players, as well as extensive interviews with leaders, including directors, engineers, marketing executives, and other key stakeholders of leading companies operating in the market.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
- All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data on the North America ROV Market. This data was consolidated, enhanced with detailed inputs, analyzed by MarketsandMarkets, and presented in this report.
Data Triangulation
After determining the overall market size, the total market was divided into several segments and subsegments. The data triangulation and market breakdown procedures explained below were implemented, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the estimated market numbers for the market segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from the demand and supply sides. Additionally, the market size was validated using top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is an unmanned, tethered underwater system operated from a surface vessel or platform, designed to perform real-time inspection, intervention, survey, maintenance, and manipulation tasks in subsea environments. ROVs rely on an umbilical cable for power, control, and high-bandwidth data transmission, enabling continuous operator oversight and precise maneuverability at varying ocean depths.
Stakeholders
- Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
- Manufacturers and OEMs
- Component and Subsystem Suppliers
- System Integrators
- End Users
- Service Providers
- Regulatory and Certification Bodies
- Research & Technology Institutions
- Investors and Funding Agencies
Research Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the North America ROV Market based on Size, Application, System, Propulsion, Speed, and region.
- To forecast the size of different segments of the market with respect to North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World.
- To identify and analyze the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
- To identify industry trends, market trends, and technology trends currently prevailing in the market
- To analyze micro markets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
- To analyze the degree of competition in the market by analyzing recent developments adopted by leading market players
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the market, along with a ranking analysis of key players, and an analysis of startup companies in the market
- To strategically profile the key market players and comprehensively analyze their core competencies
- To provide a detailed competitive landscape of the North America ROV Market, along with a market share analysis and revenue analysis of key players
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Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in North America ROV Market