Visiongain has published a new report entitled Offshore Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Market Report 2025-2035 . This comprehensive study provides detailed insight into the current drivers and forecasts for the 10-year forecast period 2025-2035. Our independent analysis shows that the global offshore remotely operated vehicle (ROV) market is estimated at US$2,159.7 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2025-2035.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Offshore Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Market   

The U.S.’s imposition of steep tariffs, including a 145% cumulative tariff on Chinese goods, has disrupted global supply chains, particularly affecting industries reliant on specialised components such as remotely operated vehicles. These tariffs have increased costs for essential materials and components, causing delays and budget overruns in offshore projects. Furthermore, China’s retaliatory tariffs and push for industrial self-sufficiency under policies like “Made in China 2025” have further complicated the global trade landscape.

Despite these challenges, the offshore remotely operated vehicle market continues to find opportunities for growth. Investments in renewable energy, particularly offshore wind farms, and the need to maintain ageing offshore infrastructure drive demand for remotely operated vehicle services. Technological advancements, such as developing more efficient and autonomous remotely operated vehicles, also expand the market. However, the full impact of trade policies and tariffs will depend on the duration and intensity of these measures and the industry’s ability to adapt through diversification and innovation.

Growth in Offshore Wind Energy Installations

The accelerating global transition towards renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, is reshaping the demand landscape for ROVs. These vehicles are increasingly used for subsea cable laying, foundation inspections, and seabed surveys during offshore wind farms’ installation and operational phases. Leading companies like Saab Seaeye and Fugro have developed ROV models tailored for the offshore wind sector. Fugro, for example, has been contracted for geotechnical and geophysical surveys at offshore wind farms in the North Sea and U.S. East Coast, employing its fleet of ROVs and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). As countries like the UK, Germany, and China ramp up their offshore wind targets to meet carbon neutrality goals, the need for precision and reliability underwater directly supports the rising deployment of ROVs.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 415-page report provides 119 tables and 200 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the offshore remotely operated vehicle (ROV) market and detailed segment analysis. Our latest study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional offshore remotely operated vehicles (ROV) market. We believe there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing offshore remotely operated vehicle (ROV) market. Download an executive summary and find out how to use this market’s existing and upcoming opportunities to gain revenue benefits and more.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Integration of Advanced Technologies for Autonomous Operations

Technological innovation is transforming ROV systems, shifting them from purely remotely operated vehicles to semi-autonomous and autonomous systems capable of complex underwater tasks with minimal human input. Enhanced capabilities such as AI-based navigation, machine learning-assisted object detection, real-time 3D mapping, and data analytics have dramatically improved ROV efficiency and operational uptime.

TechnipFMC and Forum Energy Technologies are notable examples. TechnipFMC has introduced its “Subsea 2.0” ecosystem, which includes smart ROVs integrated with its subsea production systems. Meanwhile, Saab Seaeye’s Sabertooth ROV can operate as a tethered ROV and a fully autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), capable of docking subsea to recharge and transfer data. These technological leaps reduce operational costs, improve safety, and expand the range of missions ROVs can undertake, making them attractive for commercial and defence applications.

Rising Demand for ROVs in Military and Defence Applications

Beyond oil and gas and renewables, ROVs are increasingly being deployed in defense sectors for underwater mine detection, surveillance, submarine rescue, and port security. Governments worldwide are investing in unmanned maritime systems to improve naval capabilities while reducing risk to human divers.

L3Harris Technologies, for example, has developed the Iver and C-Worker class of underwater vehicles for mine countermeasures and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions. Kongsberg Maritime also provides ROVs and AUVs to naval forces for subsea surveillance and anti-submarine warfare operations. With growing geopolitical tensions and the rising frequency of underwater threats to critical infrastructure like communication cables and pipelines, defence spending on ROVs is expected to increase steadily.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Expansion into Emerging Offshore Oil & Gas Markets

Several developing regions are rapidly advancing offshore oil and gas exploration, offering substantial market entry opportunities for ROV service providers and manufacturers. Countries like Mozambique, Guyana, Senegal, and Suriname are at early stages of offshore development and lack robust in-country ROV capabilities.

Companies such as Subsea 7 and Helix Energy Solutions have already started expanding operations in these frontier markets. For example, Subsea 7 secured a major contract for subsea installation off the coast of Senegal (the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project), creating a need for both inspection-class and work-class ROVs. Strategic partnerships with local service providers or national oil companies in these regions can help international ROV firms tap into long-term contracts and first-mover advantages.

Offering ROV-as-a-Service (RaaS) Subscription Models

With increasing pressure on offshore operators to reduce capital expenditure, there is a growing appetite for flexible service models. The ROV-as-a-Service (RaaS) model allows clients to subscribe to ROV services on-demand without bearing full ownership costs. This is particularly appealing for smaller offshore wind developers and independent oil companies.

Fugro has been exploring this model with its “remote and uncrewed” services that offer data acquisition via ROVs from onshore control centres. Similarly, DeepOcean is pioneering pay-per-use frameworks, enabling clients to scale operations based on seasonal or project-specific requirements. RaaS models can create recurring revenue streams and build long-term client relationships by reducing upfront costs and offering greater operational flexibility.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the offshore remotely operated vehicle (ROV) market are Blue Robotics, Deep Trekker Inc., DeepOcean Group, DOF Group ASA, Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (FET), Fugro N.V., Helix Energy Solutions, Oceaneering International, Inc., Outland Technologies Inc., Saab AB, Subsea 7 S.A., TechnipFMC plc, VideoRay LLC, These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, collaborations, investment in R&D, regional business expansion, partnerships, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

• 20-Mar-25, DOF announced an extension of the PLSV Skandi Buzios’ contract with Petrobras, extending the existing contract from April 2025 to September 2026.
• On February 25, Subsea 7 SA announced its intention to merge with Saipem to create a global leader in offshore energy services. Combining fleets to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• 04-Feb-25, DOF secured two subsea service contracts in the APAC region, involving the DSV Skandi Singapore for saturation diving services in Malaysian waters (expected 30 days in Q2 2025) and a multipurpose vessel for construction support services in Indonesia (expected seven weeks in Q3 2025).

Notes for Editors

Offshore Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Market Report 2025-2035 : (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Component (Control Systems, Payloads), by Depth (Deepwater (1,000–3,000 meters), Ultra-Deepwater (> 3,000 meters), Shallow Water (< 1,000 meters)) Type (Work-Class ROV (WCROV), Medium-Size ROV (MSROV), Observation-Class ROV (OCROV), Other), by End-Users (Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind Energy, Naval & Defence, Scientific Research, Aquaculture & Underwater Exploration), by Application (Inspection, Repair & Maintenance (IRM), Drilling Support, Construction Support, Subsea Engineering, Salvage Operations, Others) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

If you would like a more detailed overview of this report, please email contactus@visiongain.com or call +44 207 336 6100.

About Visiongain

Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe. Based in London, UK, Visiongain produces a host of business-to-business reports focusing on the automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors.

Visiongain publishes reports produced by analysts who are qualified experts in their field. Visiongain has firmly established itself as the first port of call for the business professional who needs independent, high-quality, original material to rely on.