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 (Commercial Use, Leisure Use) , and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

Ship Liferafts Market Size

The Global Ship Liferafts Market size was USD 392.42 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 408.67 Million in 2025, USD 425.59 Million in 2026, and further expand to USD 588.75 Million by 2034, exhibiting a 4.14% growth rate during the forecast period. Nearly 36% of demand comes from throw over liferafts, while davit launch liferafts contribute 29%, self-righting liferafts account for 20%, and open reversible liferafts represent 15% of the global share.

The US Ship Liferafts Market is witnessing strong growth, holding nearly 56% of North America’s regional share. Around 48% of liferaft installations in the US are focused on passenger vessels, while 30% are deployed across naval fleets. Leisure boating and recreational usage contribute nearly 22% of overall demand, supported by increasing consumer safety awareness and maritime regulations across the country’s coastal shipping routes.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Global Ship Liferafts Market was USD 392.42 Million in 2024, USD 408.67 Million in 2025, reaching USD 588.75 Million by 2034 at 4.14% growth.
• Growth Drivers: 70% adoption from shipping companies, 62% safety compliance demand, 55% investment by naval fleets, 45% growth from passenger cruise segment.
• Trends: 72% preference for inflatable liferafts, 40% share from Asia-Pacific, 25% growth in lightweight material usage, 28% demand from passenger vessels.
• Key Players: VIKING, Survitec, Shanghai Star Rubber Products, Ningbo Neptune Life-saving Equipment, LALIZAS & more.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific holds 40% share driven by shipbuilding, Europe contributes 30% with strong cruise demand, North America accounts for 20% led by naval fleets, and Middle East & Africa represents 10% supported by tanker operations.
• Challenges: 40% cost burden for operators, 35% service requirements, 32% deployment delays, 28% training needs impacting smaller fleets globally.
• Industry Impact: 65% compliance-driven adoption, 52% regional investments, 33% R&D initiatives, 25% growth from tourism-driven passenger traffic influencing global dynamics.
• Recent Developments: 42% digital integration in liferafts, 38% eco-material adoption, 30% naval defense upgrades, 27% signaling system improvements enhancing safety.

The Ship Liferafts Market is increasingly influenced by stringent safety regulations, with more than 60% of global fleets upgrading to advanced liferaft systems. Around 35% of demand originates from defense and naval operations, while commercial shipping and cruise vessels account for nearly 50% of global installations. Innovations in self-righting technology and eco-friendly materials are shaping the market, ensuring liferafts provide higher durability, safety, and compliance across diverse marine applications worldwide.

Ship Liferafts Market Trends

The ship liferafts market is witnessing strong growth driven by increasing maritime safety regulations and rising passenger traffic in commercial vessels. More than 65% of international shipping companies have upgraded their fleet with advanced liferaft solutions to comply with safety norms. The adoption of inflatable liferafts accounts for nearly 72% of the global share due to their compact storage and faster deployment features. In addition, more than 55% of naval defense organizations have increased investment in specialized liferafts designed for extreme conditions, boosting demand in the defense sector. Asia-Pacific dominates the market with a share of over 40% as countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan are expanding shipbuilding capacities. Europe follows with around 30% share, driven by strong demand from cruise and commercial shipping. With over 28% of the global liferaft installations taking place in passenger vessels, the tourism and cruise industry remains a major contributor. Furthermore, advancements in lightweight and durable liferaft materials have increased adoption by 25% in the past five years, ensuring higher efficiency and safety compliance across the industry.

Ship Liferafts Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in Passenger and Commercial Vessels

More than 38% of new ship orders are passenger and commercial vessels, creating a strong opportunity for liferaft installations. Over 45% of passenger cruise liners have adopted advanced marine liferafts with higher seating capacity and self-inflating technology. With nearly 33% of maritime accidents occurring in passenger ships, demand for enhanced safety equipment is expanding rapidly across global waters.

DRIVERS

Stringent Maritime Safety Regulations

Around 70% of shipping companies have implemented new safety protocols, directly increasing demand for liferafts. Over 62% of international trade routes require ships to maintain advanced liferaft systems for certification. Additionally, 50% of inspections carried out by global maritime authorities are focused on safety compliance, pushing ship operators to invest heavily in modern liferaft solutions.

RESTRAINTS

"High Maintenance and Compliance Costs"

More than 40% of ship operators face challenges related to recurring maintenance of liferafts. Approximately 35% of maritime firms report increased expenditure due to frequent servicing and regulatory audits. Additionally, 28% of operators highlight the burden of training crew members for liferaft deployment as an ongoing operational cost restraint impacting adoption in smaller fleets.

CHALLENGE

"Technological Integration and Deployment Barriers"

Nearly 32% of shipping companies struggle with integrating liferaft systems with other safety mechanisms. Around 25% of operators report delays in liferaft deployment during emergency drills, highlighting a challenge in real-time performance. Furthermore, 30% of shipbuilders emphasize difficulties in customizing liferaft designs for different vessel types, slowing down large-scale standardization in the industry.

Segmentation Analysis

The global Ship Liferafts Market size was USD 392.42 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 408.67 Million in 2025, expanding further to USD 588.75 Million by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.14% during the forecast period. By type, Throw Over Liferafts, Davit Launch Liferafts, Self Righting Liferafts, and Open Reversible Liferafts show varying adoption trends. For 2025, Throw Over Liferafts are projected to contribute USD 148.34 Million with a share of 36% and CAGR of 4.2%, Davit Launch Liferafts will reach USD 118.51 Million with a 29% share and CAGR of 4.0%, Self Righting Liferafts are expected at USD 81.73 Million with 20% share and CAGR of 4.1%, while Open Reversible Liferafts will achieve USD 60.09 Million with a 15% share and CAGR of 4.3%. By application, Commercial Use dominates with USD 285.98 Million in 2025, holding 70% share and CAGR of 4.2%, while Leisure Use accounts for USD 122.69 Million, representing 30% share and CAGR of 4.0%.

By Type

Throw Over Liferafts

Throw Over Liferafts are widely used in cargo ships and bulk carriers due to their easy deployment in emergencies. Nearly 45% of commercial shipping fleets prefer these liferafts as they ensure rapid evacuation in harsh weather conditions.

Throw Over Liferafts held the largest share in the global market, accounting for USD 148.34 Million in 2025, representing 36% of the total market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2034, driven by high adoption in large shipping fleets and cost-effective safety compliance.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Throw Over Liferafts Segment

• China led the Throw Over Liferafts segment with a market size of USD 41.53 Million in 2025, holding a 28% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% due to high shipbuilding capacity and export dominance.
• South Korea followed with USD 32.63 Million in 2025, capturing 22% share and projected CAGR of 4.1% supported by advanced maritime infrastructure.
• Japan reached USD 29.66 Million in 2025, with 20% share and CAGR of 4.0%, driven by growing passenger and cargo shipping demand.

Davit Launch Liferafts

Davit Launch Liferafts are essential in passenger ferries and cruise ships as they allow controlled and safer deployment. Around 40% of luxury vessels rely on these liferafts to ensure compliance with international safety protocols.

Davit Launch Liferafts accounted for USD 118.51 Million in 2025, representing 29% of the total market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2025 to 2034, supported by increasing demand from cruise operators and large passenger vessels.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Davit Launch Liferafts Segment

• Germany led with USD 27.26 Million in 2025, holding a 23% share and CAGR of 4.1%, driven by strong cruise and passenger vessel market.
• Italy followed with USD 25.07 Million in 2025, representing 21% share and CAGR of 4.0%, supported by shipbuilding and luxury cruise demand.
• United Kingdom recorded USD 21.70 Million in 2025, holding 18% share and CAGR of 3.9% due to rising passenger safety standards.

Self Righting Liferafts

Self Righting Liferafts are highly preferred in naval and defense vessels as they automatically reposition during capsizing. Over 35% of naval fleets worldwide are equipped with these liferafts for advanced safety assurance.

Self Righting Liferafts reached USD 81.73 Million in 2025, representing 20% of the global market. This segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% through 2034, fueled by rising defense expenditure and increased demand for advanced marine safety solutions.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Self Righting Liferafts Segment

• United States led with USD 24.52 Million in 2025, holding 30% share and CAGR of 4.2% due to strong naval procurement and safety mandates.
• France followed with USD 16.34 Million in 2025, representing 20% share and CAGR of 4.0% due to defense modernization programs.
• India achieved USD 13.08 Million in 2025, with 16% share and CAGR of 4.3%, supported by naval expansion and maritime safety upgrades.

Open Reversible Liferafts

Open Reversible Liferafts are popular for leisure boats, yachts, and coastal ferries, offering simple operation and flexible capacity. Around 25% of small and mid-sized vessels rely on this type due to affordability and quick installation.

Open Reversible Liferafts generated USD 60.09 Million in 2025, representing 15% of the market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during 2025–2034, driven by rising leisure boating activities and cost-effective safety adoption in small vessels.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Open Reversible Liferafts Segment

• Australia led with USD 13.82 Million in 2025, holding a 23% share and CAGR of 4.4%, boosted by coastal leisure boating demand.
• Spain recorded USD 11.42 Million in 2025, with 19% share and CAGR of 4.1%, supported by yachting tourism and regional shipbuilding.
• Norway followed with USD 10.21 Million in 2025, capturing 17% share and CAGR of 4.0% due to strong ferry and leisure marine usage.

By Application

Commercial Use

Commercial Use liferafts dominate global demand due to their adoption in cargo ships, tankers, and cruise liners. Over 70% of liferaft installations cater to commercial operations, ensuring compliance with international maritime safety standards.

Commercial Use liferafts accounted for USD 285.98 Million in 2025, representing 70% of the market. This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising seaborne trade, expanding shipbuilding, and stricter safety mandates.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Commercial Use Segment

• China led with USD 68.63 Million in 2025, holding 24% share and CAGR of 4.3% due to being the global hub for shipbuilding and exports.
• South Korea followed with USD 53.08 Million in 2025, representing 19% share and CAGR of 4.1%, fueled by strong commercial fleet expansion.
• Japan recorded USD 47.61 Million in 2025, with 17% share and CAGR of 4.0%, driven by shipping modernization and international trade growth.

Leisure Use

Leisure Use liferafts are gaining traction in yachts, fishing boats, and recreational marine vessels. Around 30% of new leisure marine registrations include liferafts, highlighting a strong trend toward improved safety even in non-commercial vessels.

Leisure Use liferafts accounted for USD 122.69 Million in 2025, representing 30% of the market. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% during 2025–2034, supported by increasing marine tourism, yacht ownership, and recreational boating demand.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Leisure Use Segment

• United States led with USD 34.35 Million in 2025, holding 28% share and CAGR of 4.1%, supported by strong recreational boating and coastal tourism.
• Italy followed with USD 21.90 Million in 2025, representing 18% share and CAGR of 4.0%, driven by luxury yacht manufacturing and marine tourism.
• Australia recorded USD 18.41 Million in 2025, holding 15% share and CAGR of 4.2%, supported by high coastal leisure activity and yacht registrations.

Ship Liferafts Market Regional Outlook

The global Ship Liferafts Market size was USD 392.42 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 408.67 Million in 2025, expanding further to USD 588.75 Million by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.14% during the forecast period. Regionally, Asia-Pacific dominates the market with 40% share, followed by Europe with 30%, North America with 20%, and Middle East & Africa accounting for the remaining 10%. Each region shows unique demand patterns driven by shipping, naval expansion, and maritime safety regulations.

North America

North America demonstrates steady growth in the ship liferafts market, supported by strong naval presence, commercial shipping, and leisure boating activities. Around 25% of the global naval fleets are based in this region, creating consistent demand for self-righting and davit launch liferafts. Passenger cruise traffic contributes to nearly 18% of liferaft installations, with the U.S. leading adoption trends. North America accounted for USD 81.73 Million in 2025, representing 20% of the global market share.

North America held 20% share in the global market, reaching USD 81.73 Million in 2025. This segment is driven by advanced maritime safety regulations, cruise industry expansion, and increasing naval procurement of modern liferaft systems.

North America - Major Dominant Countries in the Ship Liferafts Market

• United States led with USD 45.77 Million in 2025, holding 56% share and expected to rise due to naval modernization and leisure boating demand.
• Canada recorded USD 20.43 Million in 2025, representing 25% share, driven by shipping across the Atlantic and Arctic routes.
• Mexico reached USD 15.53 Million in 2025, accounting for 19% share, supported by growing trade activities and maritime safety investments.

Europe

Europe is a major hub for ship liferafts demand, with strong adoption in passenger vessels, ferries, and cargo ships. Nearly 35% of global cruise liners operate from this region, directly boosting liferaft installations. The region also accounts for over 22% of defense liferaft demand, with advanced naval programs across France, Germany, and Italy. Europe accounted for USD 122.60 Million in 2025, representing 30% of the total global market.

Europe held 30% share in the global ship liferafts market, valued at USD 122.60 Million in 2025. The growth is supported by luxury cruise expansions, stringent maritime safety regulations, and rising exports in shipbuilding sectors.

Europe - Major Dominant Countries in the Ship Liferafts Market

• Germany led with USD 36.78 Million in 2025, holding 30% share due to cruise vessel demand and advanced safety adoption.
• Italy captured USD 28.20 Million in 2025, with 23% share, driven by strong luxury yacht and passenger vessel markets.
• France accounted for USD 25.76 Million in 2025, representing 21% share, supported by defense liferaft procurement and ferry demand.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific leads the global ship liferafts market, accounting for the largest share due to its strong shipbuilding base and rising seaborne trade. Over 45% of cargo vessels originate from this region, boosting demand for throw over and davit launch liferafts. Passenger safety compliance is also increasing, with cruise and leisure vessels gaining momentum in China, Japan, and South Korea. Asia-Pacific accounted for USD 163.47 Million in 2025, representing 40% of the market.

Asia-Pacific held the largest share, accounting for 40% of the market and USD 163.47 Million in 2025. The region’s dominance is supported by high shipbuilding capacity, naval fleet expansions, and increasing commercial shipping activities across global trade routes.

Asia-Pacific - Major Dominant Countries in the Ship Liferafts Market

• China led with USD 57.21 Million in 2025, holding 35% share, driven by large-scale shipbuilding and international exports.
• South Korea followed with USD 46.04 Million in 2025, representing 28% share, supported by advanced maritime technologies.
• Japan captured USD 37.59 Million in 2025, with 23% share, boosted by commercial vessel modernization and passenger safety demand.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa shows steady growth in the ship liferafts market, supported by oil and gas tanker fleets and regional naval expansions. Around 15% of tanker vessels globally operate from this region, requiring compliance with international safety regulations. Tourism-driven marine activities are also increasing liferaft demand in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. The region accounted for USD 40.86 Million in 2025, representing 10% of the global market.

Middle East & Africa held 10% share in the global market, valued at USD 40.86 Million in 2025. Growth is driven by oil shipping demand, naval safety programs, and expanding coastal passenger services.

Middle East & Africa - Major Dominant Countries in the Ship Liferafts Market

• Saudi Arabia led with USD 14.30 Million in 2025, holding 35% share, supported by oil tanker fleets and naval modernization.
• United Arab Emirates recorded USD 12.26 Million in 2025, representing 30% share, driven by marine tourism and shipping expansion.
• South Africa accounted for USD 8.17 Million in 2025, capturing 20% share, supported by cargo shipping and coastal trade safety investments.

List of Key Ship Liferafts Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in Ship Liferafts Market

Investments in the ship liferafts market are rising steadily, with more than 48% of stakeholders focusing on innovative safety equipment. Around 52% of capital inflows are directed towards Asia-Pacific, reflecting the dominance of the region’s shipbuilding industry. Over 30% of maritime safety budgets globally are allocated to liferaft procurement and maintenance. Nearly 40% of investors are prioritizing inflatable and self-righting liferafts due to higher demand from passenger and naval fleets. With over 25% growth in international cruise travel, opportunities for new liferaft adoption are expanding rapidly. Moreover, 33% of global manufacturers are channeling funds into R&D to enhance lightweight, durable, and high-capacity solutions, creating profitable investment pathways across key shipping and defense sectors.

New Products Development

New product development in the ship liferafts market is accelerating as manufacturers focus on integrating advanced features. Around 42% of new liferaft designs now include automatic inflation systems for faster deployment. Nearly 38% of product launches emphasize lightweight materials that enhance portability and durability. More than 30% of new models cater specifically to leisure and yacht applications, expanding customer reach. Advanced liferafts with solar-powered signaling lights account for 27% of new developments, improving rescue visibility. Additionally, 35% of companies are adopting eco-friendly materials in liferaft construction to meet global sustainability goals. These innovations highlight a strong shift toward user-friendly, safety-focused, and environmentally conscious liferaft solutions.

Recent Developments

• VIKING launched modular liferafts: VIKING introduced modular liferafts with flexible capacity, covering 8–100 persons, addressing 20% higher demand from cruise operators and commercial shipping fleets.
• Survitec upgraded self-righting systems: Survitec enhanced its liferafts with advanced self-righting technology, improving survival chances by 25% in rough sea conditions.
• FUJIKURA COMPOSITES developed eco-friendly rafts: FUJIKURA introduced recyclable material-based liferafts, reducing carbon footprint by 18% while maintaining international safety compliance.
• SHM Group expanded naval contracts: SHM secured contracts with regional defense forces, boosting production by 22% for military-grade liferafts with enhanced durability.
• LALIZAS integrated digital locator systems: LALIZAS introduced liferafts with built-in digital locator beacons, enhancing search-and-rescue efficiency by 30% across international waters.

Report Coverage

The ship liferafts market report provides a comprehensive analysis of industry dynamics, competitive landscape, and growth opportunities. SWOT analysis indicates strengths in global regulatory compliance, with over 65% of shipping operators adopting advanced liferafts to meet safety standards. Weaknesses include high maintenance costs, which affect nearly 40% of small vessel operators. Opportunities are strong in Asia-Pacific, where 40% of shipbuilding activities drive new installations. Challenges remain in technological integration, as 32% of companies report deployment barriers. Market coverage also examines type and application segmentation, where throw over liferafts hold 36% share, and commercial use dominates with 70% share. Regional insights highlight Asia-Pacific leading with 40%, followed by Europe at 30%, North America at 20%, and Middle East & Africa at 10%. Furthermore, 33% of manufacturers are investing in R&D to introduce eco-friendly and digitally enabled liferafts. The competitive analysis outlines top companies like VIKING with 22% share and Survitec with 18% share, reflecting their dominance in global supply. This coverage equips stakeholders with data-driven insights into investment opportunities, innovation trends, and strategic positioning across international markets.