Marine Chartplotter Market By Product Type (Standalone, Combination, Networked); By Display Size (Less than 7”, 7–12”, Greater than 12”); By Application (Recreational Boating, Commercial, Fishing, Government); By Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarket); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030.

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Marine Chartplotter Market will witness a robust CAGR of 6.7%, valued at USD 1.34 billion in 2024, and is expected to appreciate and reach USD 1.98 billion by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

A marine chartplotter is an electronic navigation device that integrates GPS with nautical charts to aid marine vessels in real-time route plotting, hazard avoidance, and spatial awareness. Positioned at the crossroads of digital navigation, marine safety, and smart marine electronics, this market is experiencing rapid transformation propelled by the integration of AI-driven routing, touchscreen UX advancements, and IoT -based vessel monitoring systems.

 

From leisure boats and sailing yachts to fishing vessels and commercial fleets, marine chartplotters are becoming increasingly indispensable. Their integration with sonar/ fishfinder modules, radar overlays, autopilot systems, and AIS (Automatic Identification System) feeds makes them critical for both recreational and professional marine operations.

 

Strategic Relevance (2024–2030):

• Digital Transformation : The shift toward fully networked and connected marine electronics is fueling demand for multi-function chartplotters.

• Climate and Safety Regulation : Rising concerns over maritime safety, coastal navigation, and regulatory compliance are prompting fleets to modernize.

• Ocean Economy Expansion : Growth in the blue economy, including aquaculture, offshore energy, and marine tourism, increases demand for advanced navigation tools.

 

Key Stakeholders:

• OEMs & Equipment Manufacturers : Garmin, Navico ( Simrad, Lowrance ), Raymarine, Furuno

• Commercial Fleet Operators : Offshore shipping, cargo carriers, trawlers

• Leisure & Recreational Boaters : Yacht clubs, personal craft owners

• Government & Defense Agencies : Coast guards, marine police, naval services

• Investors & Infrastructure Developers : Marine tourism operators, smart port stakeholders

“Smart chartplotters are no longer accessories—they are essential decision-making aids across a spectrum of maritime use cases.”

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

To provide a deeper understanding of the global marine chartplotter market, the following segmentation structure is applied for strategic forecasting between 2024 and 2030 :

By Product Type

• Standalone Chartplotters

• Combination (Multifunction) Chartplotters

• Networked Chartplotter Systems

Combination chartplotters hold the largest market share in 2024, accounting for over 45% of the total revenue due to their integrated features—such as sonar, radar, and autopilot modules—within a single console. Their widespread use in both recreational and commercial boats drives adoption.

 

By Display Size

• Less than 7 Inches

• 7–12 Inches

• Greater than 12 Inches

The 7–12 inches segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, driven by a balance between affordability and visibility in mid-sized vessels.

 

By Application

• Recreational Boating

• Commercial Shipping

• Fishing Vessels

• Government & Naval Use

Recreational boating continues to dominate usage, fueled by increased sales of personal watercraft and yachts, particularly in North America and Europe.

 

By Sales Channel

• OEM (Factory-Installed)

• Aftermarket (Retail & Dealer-Based)

The aftermarket segment remains lucrative as end-users often upgrade older boats with modern, feature-rich chartplotters .

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

North America held the highest market share in 2024, benefiting from strong recreational boating activity and widespread adoption of marine electronics in the U.S. and Canada. However, Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest-growing region through 2030, led by coastal development projects and marine tourism growth in Southeast Asia.

“Multifunction chartplotters are emerging as the command centers of modern vessels, unifying radar, sonar, GPS, and weather systems under a single user interface.”

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The global marine chartplotter market is undergoing a dynamic transformation powered by technological convergence, automation, and user-centric interface designs. This section highlights key trends shaping innovation and competitiveness across the 2024–2030 timeline.

1. Integration of AI and Predictive Navigation

Chartplotters are evolving from static map displays into intelligent systems capable of autonomous route suggestion, collision prediction, and real-time obstacle analysis. AI-based features such as weather-adaptive routing and fuel efficiency optimization are becoming embedded in high-end models.

“By 2030, marine navigation will be predominantly predictive and proactive—AI-driven interfaces will be standard in mid to high-tier vessels.”

 

2. Enhanced Display Technology and Touch UX

Manufacturers are shifting towards ultra-bright IPS touchscreen displays, gesture-based controls, and multi-pane viewing that allows users to simultaneously view radar, sonar, and charts. These interfaces mirror smartphone/tablet ergonomics, making them intuitive even for novice sailors.

 

3. Seamless Connectivity and System Integration

Modern chartplotters now offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000 compatibility, enabling:

• Smart syncing with mobile devices

• Over-the-air software updates

• Integration with autopilots, AIS, depth sounders, and marine radios

This push toward fully networked bridge systems is accelerating demand in both commercial and recreational segments.

 

4. Rise of Cloud-Based and App-Driven Ecosystems

Key players like Garmin and Navico are introducing companion mobile apps, enabling trip planning, route sharing, and community map data uploads. Cloud connectivity allows for automatic backup of waypoints and routes, significantly improving safety and user experience.

 

5. Strategic Partnerships and M&A

In the last two years, the market has seen strategic collaborations such as:

• Integration of chartplotters with advanced fish-finding sonar (CHIRP) via partnerships with sonar specialists

• Joint development between marine OEMs and defense contractors to deliver dual-use commercial/naval systems

These alliances are helping OEMs expand into new verticals like coastal surveillance and search & rescue.

 

6. Modular and Customizable Platforms

The trend toward modular marine electronics systems allows users to build customized navigation suites. This appeals particularly to long-distance cruisers and commercial operators needing scalable solutions.

“As vessels become smarter, chartplotters are no longer standalone units—they're becoming the neural hubs of digital marine ecosystems.”

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The global marine chartplotter market is moderately consolidated, dominated by a few established players that leverage technological superiority, channel reach, and brand loyalty to retain market share. However, innovation in user interface, integration, and affordability is enabling smaller and regional firms to carve niches in emerging markets.

Garmin Ltd.

A market leader in marine electronics, Garmin dominates the recreational boating segment. Its GPSMAP series sets the benchmark for multifunction chartplotters with seamless sonar integration, smartphone sync, and user-friendly interfaces. Garmin’s strategy focuses on:

• Continuous software enhancements

• Cross-platform ecosystems (mobile + desktop planning apps)

• Competitive pricing for mid-range boats

Their vertically integrated R&D approach enables faster product cycles and strong OEM partnerships.

 

Navico ( Simrad , Lowrance , B&G)

Now part of Brunswick Corporation, Navico operates through distinct sub-brands targeting varied marine audiences:

• Simrad – Commercial and offshore vessels

• Lowrance – Anglers and sport fishers

• B&G – Sailing-specific applications

Navico emphasizes segment-specific innovation such as:

• Sail-specific wind plotting (B&G)

• High-definition sonar overlays ( Lowrance )

• Commercial radar integration ( Simrad )

Their modularity and application-specific interfaces provide a key competitive edge.

 

Raymarine (Teledyne FLIR)

A trusted name in high-performance marine navigation, Raymarine caters heavily to the yachting and offshore sailing markets. Their systems are known for:

• Tight integration with thermal imaging cameras

• Intuitive Lighthouse OS

• Robust build quality for extreme marine conditions

Raymarine also partners with shipyards for factory-installed systems on premium vessels.

 

Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

Furuno, a Japan-based electronics veteran, dominates in commercial marine and fishing fleets, especially across Asia-Pacific. Their chartplotters often include:

• Superior radar/chart overlay

• Depth sounders and fish-finding tech

• Compliance-ready setups for IMO shipping norms

They maintain a strong position in developing markets with bundled systems for trawlers and ferries.

 

Humminbird (Johnson Outdoors)

Though primarily focused on freshwater fishing in North America, Humminbird is innovating in value-segment chartplotters that combine high-resolution sonar and simple routing tools. Their MEGA Imaging™ technology is a key differentiator in sport fishing.

 

Other Notable Mentions

• SI-TEX Marine Electronics – Specialized solutions for coastal navigation and workboats

• Standard Horizon – Budget chartplotters with VHF integrations

• Icom Inc. – Integrating chartplotting within marine communication devices

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The global marine chartplotter market displays significant regional diversity in terms of adoption maturity, vessel type preference, regulation enforcement, and infrastructure quality. While developed economies are seeing widespread retrofit adoption and smart marine ecosystems, emerging markets are catching up through government-backed port modernization and coastal tourism growth.

North America

• Market Share Leader (2024) : North America holds the largest share, driven by strong recreational boating culture in the U.S. and Canada.

• Widespread adoption of chartplotters is seen across personal boats, sailboats, and charter fleets.

• Regulatory incentives from the U.S. Coast Guard for enhanced onboard safety systems further drive adoption.

• The Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, and Pacific Northwest are major hotspots for vessel upgrades.

“North American consumers demand intuitive, app-connected devices—Garmin and Lowrance dominate here through UX and feature bundling.”

 

Europe

• Europe remains a key hub for sailing, yachting, and offshore commercial fleets.

• Countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Italy are investing in smart marinas and coastal surveillance projects, further boosting the use of high-end chartplotters.

• Raymarine and B&G see strong brand loyalty in sailing communities.

• Adoption in Nordic countries is driven by seasonal fishing and long coastline requirements.

Europe is also advancing maritime digitization aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and environmental navigation mandates.

 

Asia Pacific

• Fastest-Growing Region (2024–2030) : Asia Pacific is experiencing a surge in CAGR, led by coastal economies like China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

• Major tailwinds:

  • Growth in coastal cargo movement

  • Blue economy projects (Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand)

  • National push for fishing fleet modernization (India, Vietnam)

  • Furuno and local players maintain dominance in commercial segments; Garmin is expanding in the leisure boating market.

 

Latin America

• Adoption is moderate, with hotspots in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.

• Growth is linked to aquaculture, marine safety compliance, and eco-tourism.

• Regional OEMs and refurbished equipment dominate due to budget constraints.

• There’s strong potential in retrofitting older vessels with low-cost multifunction chartplotters.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

• Market penetration remains low, but strategic interest is rising, especially in:

• UAE and Saudi Arabia (marinas, marine leisure sector)

• South Africa (coastal fisheries, naval training)

• Opportunities exist in port surveillance, coastal policing, and public safety sectors.

• Lack of skilled technicians and limited distributor networks hinder faster adoption.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The global marine chartplotter market serves a diverse array of end users, ranging from recreational sailors to commercial vessel operators, each with unique needs for precision, integration, and compliance. Chartplotter systems are becoming more than navigational aids—they are evolving into central control interfaces for maritime operations.

1. Recreational Boaters and Yachting Enthusiasts

• Represent the largest end-user group globally, particularly in North America and Europe.

• Preferences include touchscreen interfaces, mobile syncing, and cloud-based route sharing.

• Demand is driven by weekend cruising, regattas, and long-distance sailing.

• Often seek all-in-one devices with sonar, weather overlay, and autopilot control.

 

2. Commercial Shipping Operators

• Utilize high-end chartplotters integrated with radar, sonar, AIS, and engine telemetry systems.

• Focus is on navigation redundancy, fuel route optimization, and compliance with IMO mandates.

• Deployment is especially prominent in container ships, tugs, ferries, and offshore supply vessels.

 

3. Fishing Vessel Owners (Inshore & Offshore)

• Rely on chartplotters that sync with fish-finding sonar (CHIRP, SideScan ) and tide data.

• Essential for improving catch efficiency, avoiding obstructions, and returning to productive zones.

• Adoption is increasing in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Scandinavia.

 

4. Government, Coast Guards, and Naval Agencies

• Use ruggedized chartplotters with encrypted data links, thermal overlay, and rescue coordination tools.

• Common use cases include:

  • Search and rescue (SAR)

  • Maritime border enforcement

  • Port surveillance

  • Demand is typically project-based, tied to national safety infrastructure investments.

 

Realistic Use Case: Korean Coastal Hospital’s Tele-EMS Boat Deployment

A tertiary hospital in Busan, South Korea, partnered with a regional coast guard to deploy a tele-emergency vessel equipped with a Raymarine multifunction chartplotter. The system allowed:

• Remote navigation routing to offshore accident sites

• Integrated radar overlay for nighttime response

• Live weather updates and AIS tracking for surrounding vessels

The result was a 40% improvement in marine response time and significantly safer patient retrieval in adverse conditions.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

The marine chartplotter landscape has witnessed a series of strategic advancements aimed at expanding functionality, enhancing safety, and integrating intelligent systems. Key developments include:

• Garmin introduced the GPSMAP 9000 Series (2023) – a flagship multifunction display system featuring a stunning 4K IPS touchscreen, high-speed networking, and AI-enhanced mapping overlays.

• Navico’s Simrad launched the NSX Smart Chartplotter Platform (2023) – featuring a brand-new operating system with customizable dashboards and seamless sonar integration.

• Furuno released NavNet TZtouchXL (2024) – a next-gen hybrid touchscreen plotter with full radar, sonar, and weather sync for commercial and offshore vessels.

• Raymarine expanded its LightHouse software capabilities (2024) – integrating predictive weather routing and new radar compatibility via free OS updates.

• Humminbird’s MEGA Live Imaging+ upgrade (2023) – brought improved underwater visibility and chart sync, gaining traction in the U.S. fishing community.

 

Opportunities

• Rising Demand from Emerging Coastal Nations

  • Rapid expansion of maritime infrastructure in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America presents white-space opportunities for mid-range chartplotters tailored for small boats and fishing vessels.

• AI and IoT -Driven Marine Ecosystems

  • Chartplotters that function as command hubs for smart vessels will see high traction in both leisure and commercial marine sectors, especially with integration into mobile and cloud platforms.

• Port Security and Coastal Surveillance

  • Governmental investments in search-and-rescue vessels and anti-smuggling patrol fleets create a growing demand for encrypted, high-performance navigational systems.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Costs for Advanced Systems

  • Premium multifunction chartplotters with radar, sonar, and thermal overlays remain prohibitively expensive for small operators and developing regions.

• Shortage of Trained Marine Technicians

  • Adoption of advanced systems is hindered by the lack of qualified personnel to install, calibrate, and maintain chartplotters —especially in non-urban and remote marine zones.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 1.34 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.98 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.7% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Units	USD Million, CAGR (%)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Display Size, By Application, By Sales Channel, By Geography
By Product Type	Standalone, Combination, Networked
By Display Size	<7”, 7–12”, >12”
By Application	Recreational, Commercial, Fishing, Government
By Sales Channel	OEM, Aftermarket
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Growth in smart marine electronics - Rising leisure boating demand - Compliance with maritime safety regulations
Customization Option	Available upon request