Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Underwater Inspection in Lieu of Dry-Docking Market size was estimated at USD 915.72 million in 2025 and expected to reach USD 973.02 million in 2026, at a CAGR of 6.14% to reach USD 1,390.30 million by 2032.

Underwater inspection in lieu of dry-docking offers a compelling alternative to traditional maintenance cycles, empowering vessel operators to maintain operational continuity while ensuring structural integrity and regulatory compliance. By performing inspections without removing vessels from the water, organizations can dramatically reduce downtime and avoid the high capital and labor costs associated with shore-based docking facilities. This approach not only preserves revenue-generating activities but also aligns with environmental objectives by minimizing the carbon footprint of large-scale dry-dock operations. Moreover, as maritime regulations evolve to emphasize proactive asset management and safety, in-water inspection has emerged as a critical tool for early anomaly detection and risk mitigation.

In a landscape characterized by tightening budgets and intensifying competition, the shift toward submerged inspection methodologies reflects an industry-wide imperative to optimize maintenance strategies. Operators can leverage a suite of advanced technologies, including remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and specialized diver teams, to perform high-resolution surveys of hull surfaces, propeller assemblies, and critical underwater infrastructure. Transitioning to these in-water practices requires an integrated approach that combines technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and robust data management protocols. As stakeholders seek to balance cost containment with rigorous safety and quality standards, underwater inspection will redefine the benchmarks for efficient fleet stewardship and drive a broader transformation in maritime maintenance.

The underwater inspection sector has undergone transformative shifts in recent years, driven by rapid technological innovation and evolving operational demands. Autonomous underwater vehicles now deliver precise seabed mapping and hull scanning capabilities that previously required large survey vessels and extensive mobilization. Simultaneously, advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have infused diagnostic tools with predictive analytics, enabling operators to anticipate maintenance needs before degradation escalates into costly repairs. Furthermore, emerging digital twin platforms integrate real-time inspection data with virtual models, offering stakeholders immersive insights into asset condition without physically visiting offshore sites.

Alongside these technological evolutions, regulatory frameworks have intensified requirements for environmental stewardship and safety reporting, prompting organizations to adopt more frequent and comprehensive inspection regimens. The industry’s response has been a proliferation of remote operations centers that coordinate global fleets of inspection vehicles and diver teams from centralized hubs, reducing personnel exposure to hazardous conditions. In parallel, the drive for sustainability has spurred the development of low-emission platforms, such as uncrewed surface vessels and hybrid-electric inspection tools, which harmonize operational efficiency with reduced environmental impact. Together, these shifts are redefining underwater inspection strategies, unlocking new efficiencies, and propelling a resilient, next-generation maintenance paradigm.

Throughout 2025, a series of U.S. tariff measures have reshaped the supply chains and cost structures underpinning underwater inspection operations. In early March, the government enacted a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, affecting an array of subsea components from pipeline clamps to ROV chassis. Shortly thereafter, reciprocal duties were introduced on goods from major trading partners, while specific surcharges on Chinese-origin equipment rose to 20%, amplifying pressures on manufacturers dependent on Asian-sourced sensors and composite materials.

The cumulative effect intensified on June 4, when steel and aluminum tariffs were escalated to 50%, marking the largest single increase in modern U.S. trade history and triggering immediate cost shocks throughout marine maintenance supply chains. Offshore projects in the Gulf of Mexico reported a 2–5% increase in project budgets due to higher steel pipe and structural component prices, while unmanned underwater vehicle manufacturers disclosed 8–13% rises in production costs. As operators faced heightened procurement expenses, many accelerated initiatives to localize supply, refurbish existing assets, and adopt service-based inspection models that convert capital outlays into managed operational expenses. Consequently, tariff developments in 2025 have not only driven near-term cost adjustments but have also catalyzed long-term strategies emphasizing supply chain resilience and flexible service offerings.

Analysis of the underwater inspection market reveals a finely tuned segmentation landscape that informs provider strategies and client expectations. The technique dimension underscores a growing preference for autonomous underwater vehicles in deep-water pipeline surveys, driven by their endurance and data fidelity, while divers remain indispensable for complex structural assessments in shallow zones. In parallel, ROVs continue to dominate tasks requiring precise manipulation and on-board tooling in high-pressure environments.

Considering end user profiles, oil and gas operators prioritize frequent, high-accuracy inspections to mitigate environmental and safety risks, while renewable energy operators emphasize the periodic assessment of subsea foundations and mooring systems to uphold asset integrity. Ship owners balance on-demand inspection services with operational schedules to minimize commercial downtime, and shipyards integrate in-water inspection findings into dry-dock planning to streamline vessel maintenance cycles.

Service provider analysis highlights that in-house teams afford direct control and rapid deployment capabilities, yet outsourced specialists deliver specialized expertise, advanced tooling, and economies of scale. Vessel type segmentation further illuminates demand patterns: commercial vessels-whether bulk carriers, container ships, or tankers-require routine hull and propeller checks to optimize fuel efficiency, while naval fleets of destroyers, frigates, and submarines mandate stringent periodic inspections for mission-critical readiness. Offshore installations, including fixed and floating platforms, depend on both periodic and emergency assessments to maintain structural soundness.

The inspection tool category bridges magnetic particle testing for crack detection, sonar systems for structural mapping, ultrasonic testing-both conventional and phased array-for wall thickness measurement, and visual inspection for immediate anomaly identification. Application segmentation stresses that hull inspections form the cornerstone of structural integrity programs, with propeller, rudder, and sea chest inspections playing vital roles in propulsion efficiency and intake safety. Finally, inspection frequency strategies reveal that periodic regimens ensure regulatory compliance, while on-demand services address emergent issues with agility and precision.

The Americas region demonstrates robust activity in underwater inspection, with the Gulf of Mexico serving as a focal point for deepwater energy projects and subsea pipeline maintenance. In the United States, regulatory agencies insist on thorough in-water evaluations, stimulating demand for advanced ROV-based surveys. Meanwhile, Latin American offshore developments, particularly in Brazil and Guyana, have drawn significant inspection contracts that leverage regional expertise and local partnerships to manage expanding subsea infrastructure.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) present a diverse mix of mature and emerging markets. The North Sea’s legacy fields necessitate frequent inspections to support decommissioning efforts and life-extension programs, while the Mediterranean and West Africa host a growing number of renewable energy and oil and gas ventures. In the Middle East, ambitious offshore renewables initiatives have elevated the role of inspection services, with operators seeking specialized solutions for both fixed and floating platform integrity.

In the Asia-Pacific, rapid fleet expansion and a thriving shipbuilding industry underpin strong uptake of underwater inspection services. China’s dominance in vessel construction is matched by increasing demand for in-water surveys to ensure compliance with international safety standards. Australia’s subsea mining and offshore wind projects further diversify regional requirements, fostering innovation in autonomous inspection platforms. Throughout APAC, local service providers and global firms collaborate to address logistical challenges, aligning technology deployments with remote operations centers to maintain uninterrupted asset oversight.

Leading industry players continue to advance the underwater inspection domain through strategic contracts and cutting-edge technology. Oceaneering International has secured marquee ROV and integrated solutions agreements, including a contract to support Esso Exploration’s offshore operations in Angola Block 15, deploying multiple work-class ROVs and intervention workover control systems. The firm also undertook a multi-year subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair program for bp Mauritania Investments in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field, deploying its Offshore Projects Group’s vessels and robotics assets to deliver robust IMR services.

Oceaneering’s commitment to digital transformation emerges through its Virtual Command Center, which offers a real-time digital twin of remote operations, and its R&D efforts on advanced AUVs integrating AI, machine learning, and augmented reality to enhance precision and reduce mobilization time. Financially, the Robotics & Technology Solutions segment, encompassing AUVs and AI-driven inspection tools, accounted for a growing share of revenue and delivered double-digit year-over-year gains, underscoring strong market demand.

Fugro has likewise reinforced its leadership with the selection of its 18-meter Blue Eclipse® uncrewed surface vessel for Norway’s MAREANO seabed mapping initiative, delivering high-density multibeam echo sounder and sub-bottom profiler data with up to 90% lower fuel consumption compared to traditional platforms. Further, Fugro’s award of four multi-year Petrobras contracts for inspection and monitoring services in Brazil, valued at approximately $340 million, highlights its remote operations capabilities and commitment to recurring revenue streams through ROV-equipped dedicated vessels. These strategic wins exemplify how leading service providers drive innovation, sustainability, and consistent service excellence across global subsea markets.

To capitalize on emerging opportunities in underwater inspection, industry leaders should prioritize investment in modular asset platforms that seamlessly integrate autonomous and remotely operated vehicles. By standardizing payload interfaces and leveraging digital twin environments, organizations can reduce vessel mobilization timelines and lower carbon emissions associated with offshore operations. Service providers can mitigate the impact of volatile trade policies by diversifying supplier networks and forging strategic alliances with domestic steel and sensor manufacturers to secure critical components at competitive rates.

Furthermore, operators should develop subscription-based inspection models to convert capital investments into predictable operating expenses, enabling more flexible budgeting and improved cash flow management. Embracing an end-to-end digital ecosystem, encompassing AI-driven anomaly detection, cloud-based analytics, and remote command centers, will empower stakeholders to conduct real-time condition assessments and prioritize resources effectively. Finally, cross-industry collaboration on technical standards and data interoperability frameworks will facilitate the seamless exchange of inspection results, streamline regulatory reporting, and accelerate the adoption of best practices across vessel types and offshore installations.

This research integrates a multi-tiered methodology designed to deliver credible, actionable insights. The analysis commenced with an extensive secondary review of regulatory filings, industry press releases, tariff announcements, and corporate financial disclosures to map current market conditions and policy landscapes. Concurrently, primary interviews were conducted with senior executives from leading operators, specialist service providers, vessel owners, and regulatory experts to capture firsthand perspectives on technological adoption, operational challenges, and future investment priorities.

Quantitative data was triangulated across multiple sources, including project case studies-such as Esso Exploration’s Angola inspection programs and Petrobras’s multi-year Brazil contracts-and global seabed mapping initiatives led by organizations like MAREANO. Validation workshops with subject matter experts ensured the accuracy and relevance of segmentation frameworks, regional assessments, and strategic recommendations. Rigorous quality control measures, including cross-referencing data against publicly available databases and peer-reviewed publications, were applied throughout. This disciplined approach guarantees that the findings reflect the latest developments as of Q2 2025 and provide a robust foundation for decision-making in the underwater inspection sector.

The convergence of advanced robotics, digital analytics, and evolving regulatory pressures has positioned underwater inspection in lieu of dry-docking as a transformative practice in maritime maintenance. Key findings reveal that autonomous and remotely operated vehicles deliver unparalleled data resolution, reducing the need for costly dry-dock intervals and enabling condition-based maintenance paradigms. Tariff dynamics have underscored the imperative for resilient supply chains and localized fabrication strategies, while regional analyses show diverse growth trajectories across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific driven by unique regulatory and operational drivers.

Leading service providers exemplify how strategic contract wins, digital twin deployments, and sustainable platform innovations differentiate market participants. Actionable recommendations highlight the importance of modular ecosystems, subscription-based service offerings, and industry-wide collaboration on standards to capitalize on efficiency gains. Looking ahead, the integration of AI-powered predictive maintenance, sensor miniaturization, and fully autonomous inspection swarms will further diminish reliance on traditional dry-dock events. Collectively, these insights chart a clear path for industry stakeholders to enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and optimize lifecycle costs across complex maritime assets.

To navigate the complexities of fleet maintenance and seize emerging opportunities in underwater inspection, engage directly with Ketan Rohom, Associate Director, Sales & Marketing at 360iResearch. Ketan can guide you through the extensive market intelligence contained in this report and demonstrate how its tailored insights align with your strategic priorities. By securing this comprehensive analysis, you will gain access to in-depth segmentation, regional outlooks, and actionable recommendations that empower you to optimize inspection programs, mitigate risk, and unlock new efficiencies across your fleet.

Reach out to Ketan Rohom to arrange a customized briefing, explore sample findings, or learn about exclusive licensing options. Whether you operate in the offshore energy sector, manage commercial shipping assets, or oversee military and government maritime programs, this research will serve as the cornerstone of your decision-making framework. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your underwater inspection approach and drive tangible performance improvements. Connect with Ketan Rohom today to secure your copy of the market research report and chart a course toward sustained operational excellence.