February 2010 Vol. 237 No. 2

Projects

Study Finds Strong Potential For AUV Market

Although 629 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have been produced to date, they are still regarded as a relatively new technology.

However, considerable investment by research institutes, manufacturers and the military – followed by a number of early commercial deployments – has meant that AUVs are starting to replace and outperform more traditional technology.

The second edition of The World AUV Market Report, from business energy analysts, Douglas-Westwood, considers the prospects for this innovative and potentially market-changing technology – forecasting future markets for AUV manufacturers through to 2019.

In the Most Likely scenario, the report forecasts that 1,144 AUVs will be required over the next decade – comprising 394 large, 285 medium and 463 small units. This would result in a total market value of $2.3 billion. The market forecasts and technology updates are complemented by selected case studies that provide examples of AUV applications in situations ranging from seabed surveying to ocean research and mine counter-measures work.