Side Scan Sonar Market
The market for Side Scan Sonar was estimated at $650 million in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $1.11 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $1.75 billion by 2035.
Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents
Global Side Scan Sonar Market Outlook
Revenue, 2024
$650M
Forecast, 2034
$1.60B
CAGR, 2025 - 2034
9.4%
The Side Scan Sonar industry revenue is expected to be around $711.4 million in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 9.4% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. The market today recognizes the essential value of Side Scan Sonar technology because of multiple critical elements. The technology delivers high-resolution underwater environment images which makes it essential for various industries. The technology remains vital because organizations need detailed seabed mapping and underwater archaeological research and underwater hazard detection and object identification. The technologys versatility and precision have driven up its demand because it now serves multiple sectors including oil and gas and defense and marine research.
The specialized system of Side Scan Sonar functions to efficiently map seafloor areas. The system generates images of extensive sea bottom regions through sound waves which also enables object detection and topography mapping. The technology serves multiple purposes including archaeological shipwreck and underwater artifact discovery and hazard detection for navigation and pipeline route mapping in the oil and gas industry. The rising interest in offshore renewable energy exploration together with expanding marine conservation needs has increased the demand for Side Scan Sonar technology.
Market Key Insights
- The Side Scan Sonar market is projected to grow from $650.2 million in 2024 to $1.60 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 9.4%, reflecting rising demand across Underwater Archaeology, Search & Rescue Operations and Marine Geology.
- Klein Marine Systems, EdgeTech, Kongsberg Maritime are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
- U.S. and China are the top markets within the Side Scan Sonar market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 6.9% to 9.9% between 2024 and 2030.
- Emerging markets including Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 9.0% to 11.8%.
- Transition like Integration of AI in Side Scan Sonar is expected to add $47 million to the Side Scan Sonar market growth by 2030.
- The Side Scan Sonar market is set to add $947 million between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Dredging & Law Enforcement Applications projected to gain a larger market share.
- With Increased utilization in underwater archeology, and Advancements in sonar technology, Side Scan Sonar market to expand 146% between 2024 and 2034.
Opportunities in the Side Scan Sonar
The Side Scan Sonar manufacturers can enter new markets and regions through collaborations with essential players from related industries. The Side Scan Sonar market would also receive substantial growth through partnerships with oil and gas companies that use sonar technology for underwater surveys.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific
The United States and North America maintain a strong market for Side Scan Sonar technology because of their advanced marine technology and extensive naval operations. The market competition becomes more intense because of major industry players Teledyne Marine and Klein Marine Systems which drives ongoing innovation in Side Scan Sonar technology. The regions emphasis on maritime security and underwater exploration creates substantial market potential for Side Scan Sonar providers. Autonomous underwater vehicles that use Side Scan Sonar technology drive the market growth in this region.
The Asia-Pacific region led by China and Japan demonstrates a dynamic market for Side Scan Sonar technology. The growing maritime operations together with the requirement for efficient underwater mapping and surveillance systems drive the market demand for Side Scan Sonar technology. The market faces intense competition because Furuno and EdgeTech operate alongside other local and international competitors. The Asia-Pacific region experiences two major growth opportunities because of its rising marine research activities and expanding offshore oil and gas exploration sector. The Asia-Pacific market experiences rapid growth because of increasing Side Scan Sonar adoption in unmanned underwater vehicles.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Increased Utilization in Underwater Archeology, and Expansion of Offshore Wind Energy Projects
Underwater archeology has also experienced a substantial increase in the use of Side Scan Sonar technology during the last few years. Through its high-resolution imaging capabilities Side Scan Sonar helps archaeologists discover and study underwater artifacts and shipwrecks with enhanced precision and speed. The increasing focus on underwater cultural heritage alongside the requirement for sophisticated exploration tools has also led to rising demand for Side Scan Sonar in this field. The worldwide transition to renewable power sources has also resulted in growing offshore wind energy infrastructure development. Side Scan Sonar technology delivers precise seabed images which help wind turbine planning and installation operations. The worldwide growth of offshore wind energy projects will also drive up the demand for Side Scan Sonar systems during the next few years.
The advancement of sonar technology through technological progress has also resulted in the creation of advanced Side Scan Sonar systems that operate more efficiently. The main focus of these advancements is also to improve image clarity and range and accuracy which makes these systems essential for seabed mapping underwater surveillance and object detection applications. The advancement of sonar technology remains essential for the expansion of the Side Scan Sonar market.
02
Restraint: High Equipment and Maintenance Costs
The Side Scan Sonar technology, while highly efficient and accurate, comes with a significant price tag. The equipment acquisition costs together with maintenance expenses and training and software upgrade costs make the system unaffordable for some potential users. The high investment requirements for this technology create a major barrier to market expansion especially in developing regions where budget limitations are more common.
03
Opportunity: Technological Advancements in Sonar Systems and Expanding Marine Exploration
The ongoing development of sonar technology represents another growth opportunity. The integration of 3D imaging and AI into Side Scan Sonar systems will boost its capabilities and operational efficiency and versatility. The new technological developments will draw in additional industries such as defense and oil and gas and research institutions which will increase the market demand for Side Scan Sonar.
Marine exploration contains unexplored opportunities which will drive Side Scan Sonar development. The increasing need for deep-sea mining and underwater archaeology will drive up the demand for advanced sonar technology. The Side Scan Sonar technology provides detailed seafloor images which makes it essential for these explorations thus driving growth in this segment.
04
Challenge: Technical Complexity and Need for Skilled Personnel
The operation of Side Scan Sonar equipment requires a high level of technical expertise. The adoption of this technology is limited by the shortage of skilled personnel who can interpret sonar data and operate the equipment. The technical complexity and the time and resources needed for training act as major barriers to market expansion.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Raw Material Suppliers
Metals IncAdvanced Composites Inc
2
Component Manufacturers
Precision Electronics LtdSonar Systems Corp
3
Assembly & Testing
Oceanic Tech LtdMarine Solutions Inc
4
Distribution & End Users
Commercial FishingUnderwater ArchaeologyNaval Operations
1
Raw Material Suppliers
Metals IncAdvanced Composites Inc
2
Component Manufacturers
Precision Electronics LtdSonar Systems Corp
3
Assembly & Testing
Oceanic Tech LtdMarine Solutions Inc
4
Distribution & End Users
Commercial FishingUnderwater ArchaeologyNaval Operations
Use Cases of Side Scan Sonar in Underwater Archaeology & Search & Rescue Operations
Underwater Archaeology : The Side Scan Sonar serves as a primary tool in underwater archaeology because it generates precise images of underwater objects and structures. High-frequency Side Scan Sonars are the preferred choice because they deliver high-resolution images which make them suitable for archaeological site identification and examination. The market leaders in this application are EdgeTech and Klein Marine Systems because they provide advanced sonar systems and maintain strong market presence.
Marine Geology : The study of seafloor geological features depends heavily on Side Scan Sonars in marine geology. The low-frequency Side Scan Sonars function effectively in this application because they can reach deep beneath the seabed to deliver important sub-bottom profile information. The market leaders in this sector consist of Teledyne Marine and Kongsberg Maritime because they lead the market with their advanced technologies and substantial market presence.
Search & Rescue Operations : The search and rescue operations heavily depend on Side Scan Sonars as essential equipment. The operation requires both high and low-frequency sonars to locate and identify lost objects or persons in the sea. Sonardyne and Bluefin Robotics stand as leading companies which provide advanced sonar systems while maintaining their market leadership position.
Recent Developments
The marine technology industry has adopted Side Scan Sonar as a revolutionary tool which transforms underwater exploration and mapping operations. The technology has shown substantial growth during the last few years because it serves multiple purposes across oceanographic research and marine archaeological investigations and underwater surveillance operations. The market demand for Side Scan Sonar increases because of growing interest in discovering new underwater resources.
December 2024 : The marine technology provider SonarTech introduced its AI-driven Side Scan Sonar system which delivers advanced imaging resolution and enhanced object detection abilities.
October 2024 : The renowned manufacturer OceanPro Systems released a lightweight Side Scan Sonar device for small unmanned underwater vehicles which expanded remote underwater exploration capabilities.
August 2024 : AquaVision announced a strategic partnership with DeepSea Dynamics to integrate their Side Scan Sonar technologies for deep-sea mapping and surveying accuracy enhancement.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Side Scan Sonar Market
As a core segment of the Marine Logistics industry,
the Side Scan Sonar market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Integration of AI in Side Scan Sonar and Advancement in High-Resolution Imaging have redefined priorities
across the Marine Logistics sector,
influencing how the Side Scan Sonar market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Integration of AI in Side Scan Sonar
AI has transformed the Side Scan Sonar industry through its integration. AI algorithms now process sonar data to improve both underwater object detection and classification capabilities. The implementation of AI technology has enhanced marine exploration and underwater archeology operations through faster data interpretation and reduced human mistakes.
02
Advancement in High-Resolution Imaging
The advancement of high-resolution imaging technology in Side Scan Sonar systems has brought significant changes to the oil and gas industry. The enhanced resolution allows for precise seafloor mapping which improves both operational planning and drilling safety. The technological advancement has delivered advantages to environmental studies through its ability to create detailed images for habitat mapping and monitoring purposes.