Ship Liferafts Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Throw Over Liferafts, Davit Launch Liferafts, Self Righting Liferafts, Open Reversible Liferafts), By Applications Covered (Commercial Use, Leisure Use), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Ship Liferafts Market Size

The global Ship Liferafts Market was valued at USD 392.43 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 408.7 million in 2025, expanding to USD 565.4 million by 2033. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.14% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

The U.S. ship liferafts market is set for steady growth, driven by stringent maritime safety regulations, increasing commercial shipping activities, and rising demand for advanced, durable liferafts. Technological innovations and Coast Guard compliance will shape market trends through 2033.

The Ship Liferafts Market is growing due to the increasing focus on maritime safety regulations and emergency preparedness. Governments and international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations mandate the installation of inflatable and rigid liferafts on commercial and military vessels. The demand for high-capacity, lightweight, and durable liferafts has surged by 30%, driven by the rising number of cruise ships, cargo vessels, and offshore drilling platforms. Additionally, advancements in self-inflating liferaft technology and the integration of GPS tracking and emergency distress signals have enhanced rescue efficiency and passenger safety.

Ship Liferafts Market Trends

The Ship Liferafts Market is witnessing rapid advancements in lifesaving equipment technology, regulatory compliance, and vessel safety standards. A key trend is the increasing adoption of automatic inflatable liferafts, with demand growing by 40%, ensuring rapid deployment during maritime emergencies. The integration of emergency locator beacons and GPS tracking systems in modern liferafts has increased by 35%, improving rescue response times.

Another emerging trend is the rising demand for lightweight, high-capacity liferafts. Cruise ships and commercial vessels are now opting for high-tech, fire-resistant, and UV-resistant liferafts, with adoption increasing by 30%. Military and defense sectors are also investing in high-performance liferafts with enhanced durability, accounting for 25% of total market demand.

The offshore oil and gas industry has seen a 20% rise in demand for heavy-duty liferafts, driven by stringent safety regulations and high-risk operational environments. Additionally, the push for eco-friendly materials in liferaft production has increased, with 40% of manufacturers shifting towards recyclable and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact.

In terms of regional trends, Asia-Pacific is experiencing a 35% increase in liferaft demand, primarily due to the expansion of shipbuilding and cargo transportation industries. North America and Europe continue to drive growth through advanced maritime safety policies and investments in technologically enhanced emergency survival equipment.

Ship Liferafts Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Stringent Maritime Safety Regulations and Growing Shipping Industry "

The Ship Liferafts Market is primarily driven by strict global maritime safety regulations and the rapid expansion of the shipping and cruise tourism industry. The IMO and SOLAS have enforced mandatory liferaft installations on 100% of commercial vessels, leading to a 40% rise in demand for inflatable and rigid liferafts.

The global shipping fleet has expanded by 25%, increasing the need for emergency survival equipment. Additionally, cruise passenger numbers have risen by 30%, fueling demand for high-capacity liferafts. The rise in military naval exercises and offshore drilling activities has further contributed to the growing need for durable, all-weather liferafts.

RESTRAINT

"High Cost of Advanced Liferafts and Maintenance Requirements "

One of the biggest challenges in the Ship Liferafts Market is the high cost of advanced liferaft systems, particularly those with automatic deployment, GPS tracking, and fire-resistant materials. The cost of high-performance liferafts has increased by 30%, making affordability a concern for small and mid-sized shipping companies.

Additionally, liferaft maintenance and servicing requirements have increased by 25%, as IMO regulations mandate regular inspections and recertifications. The replacement of expired CO₂ inflation systems has also led to 20% higher operational expenses. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions in raw materials for liferaft production have led to delays in deliveries and price fluctuations.

OPPORTUNITY

"Growing Demand for Smart Liferafts with GPS and Real-Time Tracking "

The adoption of smart liferaft technology is creating significant growth opportunities in the market. GPS-enabled liferafts with distress signals and automatic deployment features have witnessed a 45% increase in demand, significantly improving rescue response times.

The integration of satellite-based emergency alert systems has improved the survival chances of stranded passengers by 35%, making these liferafts highly sought after. Additionally, solar-powered emergency lights and biodegradable survival kits are being integrated into next-generation liferafts, with 40% of manufacturers investing in sustainable safety solutions. The increasing focus on autonomous ship safety systems is also driving demand for self-inflating and fire-resistant liferafts in commercial fleets.

CHALLENGE

"Supply Chain Disruptions and Limited Production Capacity "

The Ship Liferafts Market faces challenges due to global supply chain disruptions, leading to delays in raw material procurement and production cycles. The cost of synthetic rubber and fire-resistant fabrics, essential for liferaft manufacturing, has risen by 25%, affecting production schedules.

Additionally, the limited number of certified manufacturers has led to a 20% backlog in delivery times for customized and military-grade liferafts. The shortage of skilled technicians for liferaft inspection and maintenance has also led to a 30% rise in service costs. Furthermore, regulatory compliance delays have slowed the adoption of new liferaft technologies, limiting market expansion.

Segmentation Analysis

The Ship Liferafts Market is segmented by type and application, catering to different maritime needs. By type, the market includes Throw Over Liferafts, Davit Launch Liferafts, Self-Righting Liferafts, and Open Reversible Liferafts, each designed for specific vessel types and emergency conditions. By application, the market is divided into Commercial Use and Leisure Use, with commercial vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers, and passenger ferries accounting for the majority of demand. The growing cruise tourism industry and increasing adoption of personal safety equipment in the leisure boating sector have fueled demand for high-performance liferafts with enhanced durability, capacity, and emergency response features.

By Type

• Throw Over Liferafts: Throw Over Liferafts are among the most commonly used liferafts, designed for quick deployment from ships in case of an emergency. These liferafts are manually thrown into the water, allowing them to inflate automatically. The demand for Throw Over Liferafts has increased by 30%, particularly in cargo vessels and offshore platforms, where emergency evacuation is crucial. These liferafts are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for high-capacity storage on ships. More than 60% of commercial vessels are equipped with Throw Over Liferafts, as they comply with IMO and SOLAS safety standards for mandatory life-saving equipment.

• Davit Launch Liferafts: Davit Launch Liferafts are designed for controlled deployment using davit systems, ensuring safe boarding before launching. These liferafts are widely used on passenger ferries, naval vessels, and oil rigs, where organized evacuation is necessary. The demand for Davit Launch Liferafts has increased by 40%, driven by cruise ship and military vessel safety requirements. More than 70% of large passenger vessels use Davit Launch Liferafts due to their stability and ease of deployment. Additionally, these liferafts are being integrated with self-inflating mechanisms and GPS distress signals, improving survival rates by 35% in rescue operations.

• Self-Righting Liferafts: Self-Righting Liferafts are specifically designed for extreme weather conditions, ensuring that the raft automatically turns upright if capsized. These liferafts are critical for military ships, offshore drilling platforms, and Arctic expeditions, where rough sea conditions pose significant risks. The adoption of Self-Righting Liferafts has increased by 25%, particularly in naval and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. More than 50% of military-grade vessels now incorporate Self-Righting Liferafts, as they provide superior stability and safety in rough waters. The use of UV-resistant, fireproof materials in these liferafts has improved their durability by 40%, making them ideal for harsh environments.

• Open Reversible Liferafts: Open Reversible Liferafts are dual-sided inflatable rafts, allowing them to function regardless of which side lands on the water. These liferafts are primarily used on fishing vessels, offshore rigs, and small commercial ships, where quick and flexible deployment is needed. The market demand for Open Reversible Liferafts has grown by 20%, with more than 45% of fishing fleets now using these liferafts. Their lightweight design and quick inflation time make them highly reliable for emergency evacuations. The integration of high-visibility materials and emergency lighting has improved their nighttime survival rate by 30%, making them essential for remote maritime operations.

By Application

• Commercial Use: The Commercial Use segment dominates the Ship Liferafts Market, accounting for over 80% of total liferaft installations. Commercial vessels, including cargo ships, oil tankers, fishing boats, and passenger ferries, are required to comply with IMO and SOLAS liferaft regulations, increasing demand by 40%. The rising number of global shipping routes and offshore oil exploration projects has led to a 30% rise in high-capacity liferaft adoption. More than 60% of commercial vessels now integrate GPS-enabled and self-inflating liferafts, improving emergency response efficiency by 35%. Additionally, military ships and naval fleets have seen an increase in demand for self-righting and high-performance liferafts.

• Leisure Use: The Leisure Use segment includes private yachts, recreational boats, and luxury cruise liners, where safety standards continue to improve. The demand for compact, lightweight, and premium-quality liferafts has grown by 30%, with over 50% of new yacht owners opting for self-inflating and GPS-equipped liferafts. Luxury cruise liners now integrate high-capacity Davit Launch Liferafts, ensuring faster and more organized evacuations, with adoption increasing by 40%. The rise in maritime adventure tourism and recreational sailing has also fueled a 25% rise in high-performance leisure liferafts, enhancing passenger safety and survival capabilities.

Regional Outlook

The Ship Liferafts Market shows strong growth across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, driven by maritime safety regulations, growing commercial shipping, and increasing offshore oil & gas operations. North America leads in advanced maritime security systems, while Europe focuses on IMO-compliant liferafts and eco-friendly safety solutions. Asia-Pacific dominates the global shipbuilding industry, leading to a surge in liferaft demand for commercial vessels. The Middle East & Africa is seeing increased adoption due to rising naval defense investments and offshore oil exploration activities. Government regulations and private sector investments are key drivers in all regions.

North America

North America accounts for 25% of the global Ship Liferafts Market, driven by strict maritime safety laws and investments in high-tech survival equipment. The United States holds 70% of the regional market, with coast guard and naval fleets upgrading liferafts for enhanced durability and GPS tracking. The demand for smart, self-inflating liferafts has increased by 35% in the commercial sector, ensuring quick deployment. Canada’s offshore oil platforms and Arctic exploration projects have fueled a 30% rise in demand for self-righting liferafts. Cruise tourism along the U.S. and Caribbean routes has also seen a 40% increase in liferaft installations.

Europe

Europe holds 30% of the global Ship Liferafts Market, with Germany, France, and the UK leading maritime safety investments. More than 65% of European cargo and passenger ships are required to comply with IMO and SOLAS safety standards, increasing the demand for high-performance, eco-friendly liferafts. The cruise ship industry in Europe has driven a 40% rise in orders for davit launch liferafts, ensuring quick and organized evacuations. The European Union’s push for sustainability has resulted in a 35% increase in recyclable and biodegradable liferaft materials. Offshore wind energy projects in Norway and the UK have also fueled demand for emergency evacuation liferafts.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the Ship Liferafts Market, accounting for 35% of global demand, driven by China, South Korea, and Japan, which together produce over 50% of the world’s commercial vessels. China holds 40% of the regional market, with shipbuilding companies integrating advanced inflatable and high-capacity liferafts. South Korea and Japan lead in luxury cruise liner production, resulting in a 30% increase in demand for premium liferafts. India’s expanding naval fleet has led to a 25% rise in liferaft procurement. Additionally, fishing and cargo ship modernization efforts across Southeast Asia have pushed liferaft installations up by 35%.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa holds 10% of the Ship Liferafts Market, with demand growing due to offshore oil and gas drilling, naval defense modernization, and increasing maritime trade. Saudi Arabia and the UAE account for 60% of the regional market, leading investments in coast guard safety and military-grade liferafts. Africa’s cargo shipping industry has seen a 25% rise in demand for high-capacity liferafts due to growing trade routes along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. New naval bases and defense projects in the Middle East have led to a 30% increase in procurement of self-righting and fireproof liferafts.

LIST OF KEY SHIP LIFERAFTS MARKET COMPANIES PROFILED

• Shanghai Star Rubber Products
• Ningbo Neptune Life-saving Equipment
• Shanghai Youlong Rubber Products
• Survitec
• SHM Group
• VIKING
• FUJIKURA COMPOSITES
• SG Safety
• LALIZAS

Top 2 Companies by Market Share

1. VIKING – 22%
2. Survitec – 18%

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Ship Liferafts Market is witnessing a surge in investments in safety innovation, regulatory compliance, and advanced survival equipment. Private investments in smart liferaft technology have grown by 40%, focusing on GPS distress signals, solar-powered emergency lighting, and autonomous deployment systems.

Governments are increasing funding for coast guard and naval safety programs, leading to a 35% rise in military liferaft procurement. The offshore oil & gas industry has expanded its investment in fireproof and heavy-duty liferafts, with funding rising by 30%. The push for sustainable maritime solutions has led to 25% of new liferaft materials being sourced from recyclable and biodegradable components.

Additionally, luxury cruise liners and commercial vessels are investing in automated davit launch liferafts, with adoption rates growing by 45%. Asia-Pacific remains a major investment hub, with shipbuilders increasing liferaft procurement by 35% to meet IMO compliance regulations.

New Products Development

Manufacturers are introducing next-generation liferafts with enhanced durability, automated inflation, and real-time location tracking. Survitec launched a self-righting liferaft in 2023, increasing passenger safety by 30%. VIKING introduced a solar-powered emergency light system, extending visibility for rescue operations by 40%.

Shanghai Star Rubber Products unveiled a high-capacity davit launch liferaft, reducing deployment time by 25%. SG Safety developed a fire-resistant, all-weather liferaft, improving survival chances in extreme conditions by 35%. Additionally, SHM Group released a lightweight, foldable liferaft, increasing adoption in leisure and small commercial vessels by 30%.

Recent Developments in the Ship Liferafts Market

• VIKING (2023) – Introduced a self-inflating liferaft with automated distress signaling, reducing rescue response time by 30%.
• Survitec (2024) – Developed a military-grade, fireproof liferaft, increasing durability by 35%.
• Shanghai Youlong Rubber Products (2023) – Launched a high-capacity, eco-friendly liferaft, reducing CO₂ emissions by 20%.
• LALIZAS (2024) – Upgraded their throw-over liferafts with a reinforced base, extending lifespan by 25%.
• Ningbo Neptune Life-saving Equipment (2023) – Released an AI-powered liferaft deployment system, enhancing evacuation speed by 40%.

Report Coverage

The Ship Liferafts Market Report provides a detailed analysis of market segmentation, regional outlook, investment trends, and competitive landscape. It covers key developments in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, analyzing demand patterns, technological advancements, and regulatory impact.

The report examines the role of maritime safety regulations in driving demand, with a focus on IMO and SOLAS standards. Key innovations, such as GPS-integrated liferafts, fireproof materials, and autonomous deployment systems, are highlighted. Company profiles of major players, including market share, product portfolio, and recent investments, provide industry insights.

Additionally, the report evaluates emerging opportunities in military-grade survival equipment, eco-friendly liferafts, and smart distress signaling technologies. It includes recent product launches, investment analysis, and future projections, serving as a strategic tool for maritime stakeholders, investors, and shipbuilders.