Dynamic Positioning System Market Summary

The global dynamic positioning system (DPS) market size was estimated at USD 6.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.71 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration, where precise vessel positioning is critical for safety and operational efficiency. Dynamic positioning systems are essential for maintaining vessel stability and accuracy in challenging marine environments, ensuring smooth operations in exploration, construction, and offshore support activities.

The expansion of global maritime trade and ongoing development of port infrastructure have created higher demand for specialized vessels used in dredging, construction, offshore support, and maintenance operations. These tasks often take place in congested or constrained waterways, where conventional anchoring methods may be impractical or unsafe. DPS technology enables vessels to maintain their position with high precision, enhancing operational control, reducing risks of collisions or drift, and improving overall efficiency in complex maritime operations.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• In 2024, Europe held a dominant position in the global dynamic positioning system market, accounting for the largest revenue share of over 34.10%. This strong market presence is attributed to the region’s advanced maritime infrastructure, robust offshore exploration activities, and supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage the adoption of cutting-edge vessel positioning technologies.
• The United States is also expected to witness substantial growth in its dynamic positioning system industry during the forecast period, driven by increasing offshore exploration, rising maritime trade activities, and ongoing investments in vessel modernization and technological upgrades.
• When analyzed by equipment class, the class 2 segment led the market in 2024, capturing the largest revenue share of 59.50%. This indicates a strong preference for vessels equipped with intermediate-level dynamic positioning capabilities that balance performance and cost-effectiveness.
• By fit, the linefit segment dominated the industry in 2024, reflecting the trend of integrating DPS directly into new vessels during construction rather than retrofitting, which ensures optimal system performance and seamless vessel operation.
• By system type, the DP control system segment accounted for the largest share in 2024, highlighting the critical importance of control systems in maintaining accurate positioning, operational reliability, and safety for vessels operating in challenging offshore conditions.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD USD 6.25 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 10.71 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 6.3%
• Europe: Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players operating in the market are focusing on various strategic initiatives, including new product development, partnerships & collaborations, and agreements to gain a competitive advantage over their rivals. The following are some instances of such initiatives.

• In March 2025, Sonardyne introduced SPRINT‑Nav DP, a compact hybrid inertial and Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) positioning system tailored for shallow-water DP operations. It allows vessels to maintain precise station-keeping up to 230 meters depth even in GNSS-denied environments without deploying external reference sensors. This system will be factory pre-calibrated and ready to use, and ideal for offshore wind, nearshore construction, and subsea work.
• In April 2024, Wartsila Corporation introduced an advanced thruster and propulsion control package to enhance offshore dynamic positioning (DP) performance. The company unveiled a suite featuring its WST‑E embedded electric steerable thruster, new WST‑R retractable thrusters, and an enhanced ProTouch remote propulsion control interface. The retractable models include an 8° tilted propeller shaft, boosting effective thrust by 15–20%, reducing installed power needs, and lowering fuel consumption and emissions. The compact embedded electric design enables installation in constrained spaces, while ProTouch simplifies operator interaction through a cleaner interface for improved real‑time DP accuracy. This innovation enhances positioning precision, operational efficiency, and contributes to vessel decarbonization.
• In February 2023, Volvo Penta AB announced that it is now offering its GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) across its twin V6 and V8 propulsion packages. The system enables precise, automatic station-keeping during docking and idling,allowing boats to hold position against wind and currentwith simple joystick control, enhancing ease and reliability.

Key Players

• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Wartsila Corporation
• ABB Ltd.
• GE Vernova
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Navis Engineering Oy
• Marine Technologies LLC
• Moxa Inc.
• Japan Radio Company Ltd.
• AB Volvo Penta
• Brunvoll AS
• Praxis Automation Technology B.V.
• Sirehna
• Twin Disc Inc.
• Sonardyne, Inc.

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Conclusion

The global dynamic positioning system market is poised for significant growth over the coming years, driven by rising offshore exploration, increasing maritime trade, and the demand for precision in vessel operations. Europe continues to lead the market, while the U.S. shows strong potential for expansion. Class 2 equipment, linefit installations, and DP control systems remain the most sought-after segments, reflecting industry preferences for reliability and operational efficiency. As maritime operations grow increasingly complex, the adoption of dynamic positioning systems will be crucial for enhancing safety, stability, and performance across diverse marine applications, ensuring sustainable market growth.