Port Autonomous Driving Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis, By Type (AGV, ACT, Autonomous Forklifts, Others), Technology (LIDAR, RADAR, Others), By Level of Autonomy (L1, L2, L3, L4, Others), By Application, and By Region, Forecast 2024-2031

Global Port Autonomous Driving Market Overview and Key Insights:

The global port autonomous driving market size reached USD 1,730.3 Million in 2023 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 19.7% during the forecast period. Rising demand for port autonomous vehicles and equipment’s for handling port call operations is driving the market revenue growth of the global port autonomous driving market.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), globally, 4.6 million port calls were registered in 2022. Port stakeholders are actively deploying for cost-effective solutions to handle growing cargo volumes efficiently. Port autonomous vehicles and equipment’s are increasingly deploying in port automation to reduce dependency on manual labor and improve fuel efficiency.

Market Drivers:

Maritime transportations in experiencing exponential growth owing to increasing volume of export and import across international markets. According to the UNCTAD, international maritime trade reached 11.0 billion tons in 2021. Several ports are shifting to driverless operation to increase overall cargo handling capacity. Deployment of Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV), Automated Container Trucks (ACT), cranes in efficiently managing cargos and port operations are contributing market revenue growth of port autonomous vehicles. The volume of maritime merchandise trade is another key contributor of market revenue share in 2023. According to the World Bank, more than 80% of merchandise trade is transported by sea.

Market Opportunity:

Integration of 5G and internet of things (IoT) technologies in remote port operation and real-time data driven decision-making are projected to drive market revenue growth over the forecast period. According to the GSM Association, globally 5G connections are expected to surpass 2 billion by 2025. Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV), Automated Container Trucks (ACT), cranes powered with 5G enabling autonomous management of cargo operations with precision. The integration of 5G in port autonomous driving technologies is significantly uplifting the global competitiveness of the port autonomous driving market.

Recent Trends:

Major market trends in the port autonomous driving market include the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), and new generation sensors. Globally, several commercial automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and equipment manufacturers are investing in new product lines using these new technologies, which may create new revenue generation scope in the market.

Moreover, governments and various international organization actively driving port and shipping industries to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change, which are significantly influencing adoption of autonomous technologies in ports. According to the United Nations (UN), emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

Restraints & Challenges:

Concerns regarding cybersecurity are expected to challenge the market revenue growth over the forecast period. Securing hardware and software systems has become has become a critical challenge for port authorities. According to a study, shipowners, ports, and other maritime stakeholders reported at least 64 cyber incidents, in 2023.

Cybercriminal groups are increasingly targeting systems with attacks such as SQL injections, DDoS attacks, and malware which as a result posing major risk in port functionality, especially amid geopolitical tensions. For instance, phishing schemes are the most reported cybercrime according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), resulted in over 880,418 complaints and losses exceeding USD 12.5 billion in 2023.

Type Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the type, the port autonomous driving market is segmented into Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV), Automated Container Trucks (ACT), Autonomous Forklifts and Autonomous Port Cranes.

Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) segment contributed largest revenue share in 2023.  Rising demand for AGVs in port operation to enhance operational efficiency and reduce dependency on manual labor. Autonomous driving competitors are working on several contracts which may further contribute in revenue share in 2024.

For Instance, on march 2024, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) will supply, Tuas Port of Singapore with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). Moreover, on October 2024, Hyundai Rotem has secured an order valued at approximately USD 61.27 million from Yeosu Gwangyang Port Corporation for the production and delivery of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) at Gwangyang Port.

Autonomous Forklifts segment is expected to register fastest revenue growth over the forecasted period. Rapid adoption of autonomous forklifts in cargo handling and warehouse operations with port environments are expected to fuel the growth of the market. Autonomous forklifts are cost efficient and Ideal for small-scale operations such as pallet-based cargo transport and loading-unloading of materials.

Technology Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the technology, the port autonomous driving market is segmented into Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), RADAR, Computer Vision, GNSS/INS, PPP-RTK and Others.

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) segment contributed largest revenue share in 2023. LIDAR systems provide real-time, high-resolution 3D mapping of port environment to ensure precise and accurate object detection. Globally several port stakeholders are upgrading equipment’s with latest generation technologies which are expected to contribute market revenue growth.  For instance, On September 2024, Hesai and Westwell are partnering to advance autonomous yard tractors and electric semi-trucks. Hesai will leverage its expertise in LIDAR technology to enhance Westwell’s industry-leading autonomous yard tractors.

Computer Vision segment is expected to register fastest revenue growth over the forecasted period. Increasing integration of deep learning algorithms into computer vision system to recognize patterns, monitoring cargo movement, and detection of anomalies in high-traffic port operations. Ports in Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Europe are significantly investing on computer vision technologies to ensure seamless port operation are expected to support the market revenue growth over the forecast period.

Application Segment Insights and Analysis:

Based on the application, the port autonomous driving market is segmented into container handling, docking and unloading, cargo management, maintenance and repair and others.

Container handling segment contributed largest revenue share in 2023. Rapid deployment of port autonomous vehicles and equipment’s in managing growing containerized trade volume is a major contributor revenue share. Port authorities are significantly investing on autonomous technologies in container yards for stack optimization, yard planning process, reducing breakdown and overall operational cost.  

Docking and unloading segment is expected to register fastest revenue growth over the forecasted period. Rising demand for automated solution in improving port operational efficiency and reducing cargo handling are expected to fuel revenue growth by 2031. Globally various port authorities are deploying autonomous trucks with the rising global trade volumes.

Geographical Outlook:

Asia Pacific is registered highest market share in port autonomous driving market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is major export hub and home of some of the world busiest ports including Hong Kong, Sanghai, Beijing, Singapore. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), merchandise trade in Asia and the Pacific is expected to reach a total of USD 17.6 trillion, in 2023. Governments in countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are implementing strategic policies such as the foreign direct investments (FDI) to increase exports. as a result, governments are promoting various export promotion parks.

According to the UNCTAD, Asia and Oceania were the largest recipients of foreign direct investment (FDI), receiving half of the global inflows, in 2022. China is accelerating construction of automated ports. According to research, China has completed construction of 18 automated container terminals and is currently working on constructing 27 more. 

Moreover, new investment in construction of new port terminal is further expected to fuel the market revenue growth in this region. For instance, on June 2024, Malaysia investing USD 425 million to construct AI-powered container port near Kuala Lumpur. The port will deploy automated cranes, unmanned trucks, AI enabled systems to optimize ship movements and automate logistics.

North America is expected to register significant revenue growth by 2031. Rising merchandise exports volume is a key contributor of revenue growth in this region. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, average exports increased USD 9.2 billion from October 2023. Port stakeholders in this region is significantly investing in autonomous technologies to increase port modernization and operation efficiency. Additionally, the shortages of labor could accelerate the market revenue growth over the forecast period.

Europe is expected to register steady revenue growth over the forecast period. Increasing adoption of port autonomous technology to handle rising trade and export volume in the region is supporting the market revenue growth in Europe. According to the World Bank, in European Union (EU), the total value of exports (FOB) is USD 2,707,430 million in 2023. Moreover, rapid investments to accelerate innovation in new product development are further fueling the growth of the market. For instance, On December 2024, Embotech, has received a funding of USD 27 million in Series B funding to expand its Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) and Autonomous Terminal Tractor (ATT) solutions across Europe, with plans to scale in the US, Middle East, and Asia.

Competition Analysis:

The port autonomous driving market is characterized by a fragmented structure, with several players competing across various segments and regions. List of major players included in the port autonomous driving market report are:

• Konecranes
• Rocsys
• Acsystème
• Cargotec Corporation
• Terex Corporation
• AB Volvo
• Alstef Group
• Einride
• RoboSense Technology Co., Ltd 
• TuSimple, Inc.
• Hesai Group
• Hyundai Rotem
• Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) 
• Embotech AG
• Aidrivers Ltd.  


Strategic Developments in Port Autonomous Driving Market:

• In June 2024, Aidrivers partners with ZF (ZF Friedrichshafen AG) at advancing autonomous mobility solutions in port logistics. This collaboration will focus on retrofitting terminal tractors for autonomous operations by combining ZF Mobility Solutions’ engineering expertise with Aidrivers’ autonomous driving (AD) software ecosystem. Within this partnership, Aidrivers will provide the AD software ecosystem, while ZF Mobility Solutions will handle the integration, validation, and deployment processes.
• In April 2024, Einride has entered into a partnership with Jebel Ali Port in Dubai as part of its strategic initiative to establish the world’s largest autonomous trucking network. The freight mobility startup has signed an agreement with DP World, the operator of the world’s 10th busiest port, to deploy hundreds of Einride’s electric trucks for container transportation within the port’s logistics operations.

Key Advantages for Stakeholders:

Navistrat Analytics’ industry report provides an in-depth quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current trends, market forecasts, and dynamics within the global market. The historical years covered in this report are 2021 to 2022, with 2023 serving as the base year for market size calculations. The forecast period extends from 2024 to 2031.

The report includes an executive summary and a comprehensive overview of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC), along with insights into regulatory standards. It features detailed analyses such as PORTER’s Five Forces, SWOT, and PESTLE, as well as assessments of technological trends and the competitive landscape.

PORTER’s Five Forces analysis helps stakeholders evaluate the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and substitution threats, enabling them to assess the level of competition and the attractiveness of the global market. The competitive landscape provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the current market positions of key players, offering valuable insights into their competitive environment.

Scope And Key Highlights of The Port Autonomous Driving Market Report:

The port autonomous driving market report offers a detailed analysis of market size, including historical revenue (in USD Million) data for 2021-2022 and revenue forecasts for 2024-2031 across the following segments:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2021-2031)
  • Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)
  • Automated Container Trucks (ACT)
  • Autonomous Forklifts
  • Autonomous Port Cranes

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2021-2031)
  • Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) 
  • RADAR
  • Computer Vision
  • GNSS/INS
  • PPP-RTK 
  • Others

• Level of Autonomy Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2021-2031)
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Level 3
  • Level 4
  • Level 5

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2021-2031)
  • Container Handling
  • Cargo Management
  • Docking and Unloading
  • Maintenance and Repair
  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2021-2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • U.K.
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Benelux
    • Nordic Countries
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Oceania
    • ASEAN Countries
    • Rest of APAC
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Rest of LATAM
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Israel
    • Turkey
    • Rest of MEA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Port Autonomous Driving Market report