Smart Port Market by Technology (IoT, Blockchain, Process Automation, AI), Throughput Capacity (High, Medium, & Low Throughput Capacity), Port Type (Seaports, Inland Ports), Element, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030
The smart port market is projected to reach USD 7.95 billion by 2030 from an estimated USD 2.23 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 25.8%.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2030
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2030
Units Considered
Value (USD Million/Billion)
Segments
Port Type, Technology, Throughput Capacity, = and Element
Regions covered
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa
As more than 80% of the world trade by volume is shipped by the ocean, there is an increasing pressure on ports to modernize due to growing volumes of cargo, changes in trade corridors, and consumer demand triggered by the e-commerce and nearshoring trends (UNCTAD, 2024). Embracing smart technologies such as AI-powered analytics, IoT-based asset tracking, blockchain for securing documentation, and digital twins for real-time operational monitoring makes ports more efficient. These innovations help shorten turnaround times and reduce carbon emissions in line with international climate targets. However, this digital transformation also presents challenges; cybersecurity risks have significantly increased, and in 2024, there have been several notable attacks on port infrastructure.
"Internet of Things (IoT), by technology, to be second fastest-growing market from 2025 to 2030"
By technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) segment will be the second fastest-growing segment in the smart port market between 2025 and 2030. Due to the automation and digitalization of ports worldwide, IoT has become the key technology that makes real-time visibility, asset tracking, and process efficiency possible. Using the devices with IoT capabilities installed in ports, including ultrasonic sensors, inertial sensors, RFID readers, imaging sensors, radars, and wireless modules, smart ports are used to communicate operational data over the port systems.
"High throughput ports segment, by throughput capacity, to hold largest market share in 2030"
The high-throughput ports segment, by throughput capacity, is expected to account for the largest market share in 2030. With over 19 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per annum transited through these ports, they are the epicenter of international trade. The best examples of such ports can be found in China, Singapore, and South Korea, and they act as lifelines in terms of maritime logistics and global-level supply chains.
"Europe to record second-highest growth rate in smart port market from 2025 to 2030"
The European region is expected to exhibit the second-highest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Some of the world's most advanced and high-throughput ports are located in Europe. Notable examples include the ports of Rotterdam (Netherlands), Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium), and Hamburg (Germany). These ports have made significant strides in adopting digital and automated technologies. They are leading the way in smart port infrastructure, utilizing digital twins, AI-based logistics, and asset tracking through the Internet of Things (IoT). As a result, these ports have become more efficient, environmentally friendly, and effective in handling cargo volume.
Breakdown of Primaries:
By Company Type: Tier 1- 30%, Tier 2- 55%, and Tier 3 - 15%
By Designation: C-Level Executives- 30%, Directors - 20%, and Others- 50%
By Region: Asia Pacific - 55%, North America - 20%, Europe - 8%, Middle East & Africa - 13%, and South America - 4%
Note: Other designations include sales managers, engineers, and regional managers.
The tiers of the companies are defined based on their total revenue as of 2024: Tier 1: >USD 1 billion, Tier 2: USD 500 million-1 billion, and Tier 3: <USD 500 million
The smart port market is dominated by major, globally established players. The leading players are ABB (Switzerland), Accenture (Ireland), IBM (US), Siemens (Germany), General Electric (US), and Trelleborg (Sweden).
Study Coverage:
The report defines, describes, and forecasts the smart port market, by element (terminal automation & cargo handling, port community systems, port traffic management systems, smart port infrastructure, smart port safety & security), throughput capacity (high throughput ports, medium throughput ports, low throughput ports), technology (IoT, blockchain, process automation, AI), port type (seaports and inland ports), and region (Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America). It also offers a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market.
The report comprehensively reviews the major market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges. It also covers various important aspects of the market, which include the analysis of the competitive landscape, market dynamics, market estimates in terms of value, and future trends in the smart port market.
Key Benefits of Buying the Report
Key drivers (increasing international maritime trade activities), restraints (risk associated with data breach and data protection of seaport clients), opportunities (government initiative to develop smart port infrastructure), and challenges (complexities of technologies and interaction of numerous systems) influence the growth of the smart port market.
Market Development: In June 2025, IBM launched a software program that would help in bringing AI security teams and AI governance teams together in an enterprise. A unique solution is the combination of Watson X.governance and the Guardium AI Security, which presents a comprehensive insight into the risk landscape of an organization. It improves the security and accountability of the AI systems by taking future considerations onboard.
Product Innovation/Development: There was significant product innovation in the smart port market, but the innovation of IoT-enabled diagnostics and predictive maintenance capabilities of the most advanced systems is notable. These trends are geared toward improving reliability, minimizing downtime, and increasing efficiency standards among end users.
Market Diversification: In July 2025, Siemens acquired the industrial drive technology business of ebm-papst, which is now marketed under the name Mechatronic Systems. The portfolio encompasses built-in smart drive systems such as autonomous transport and extra-low voltage protection.
Competitive Assessment: The report includes an in-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading market players, such as ABB (Switzerland), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), GE Vernova (US), and Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKETS COVERED AND REGIONAL SCOPE
1.3.2 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.3.3 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.4 UNIT CONSIDERED
1.5 CURRENCY CONSIDERED
1.6 LIMITATIONS
1.7 STAKEHOLDERS
1.8 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.1.1 List of key secondary sources
2.1.1.2 Key data from secondary sources
2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.2.1 List of key primary interview participants
2.1.2.2 Insights from experts
2.1.2.3 Key data from primary sources
2.1.2.4 Breakdown of primaries
2.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.2.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
2.2.1.1 Regional analysis
2.2.1.2 Country-wise analysis
2.2.1.3 Demand-side assumptions
2.2.1.4 Demand-side calculations
2.2.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
2.2.2.1 Supply-side assumptions
2.2.2.2 Supply-side calculations
2.3 DATA TRIANGULATION
2.4 FORECAST
2.5 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.6 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
2.7 RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN SMART PORT MARKET
4.2 SMART PORT MARKET, BY REGION
4.3 SMART PORT MARKET IN NORTH AMERICA, BY THROUGHPUT CAPACITY AND COUNTRY
4.4 SMART PORT MARKET, BY ELEMENT
4.5 SMART PORT MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY
4.6 SMART PORT MARKET, BY THROUGHPUT CAPACITY
4.7 SMART PORT MARKET, BY PORT TYPE
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Rising maritime trade volumes
5.2.1.2 Growing focus of maritime industry on reducing emissions
5.2.1.3 Increasing use of real-time geospatial data to improve port operations
5.2.1.4 Surging adoption of Industry 4.0 to improve port efficiency
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 Data breach issues reported by seaport clients
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Government initiatives to develop smart port infrastructure
5.2.3.2 Renovation of existing ports and development of new ports
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 Technological complexity and system interoperability issues in port operations
5.2.4.2 Requirement for high initial investment for port development
5.3 TRENDS/DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
5.4 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
5.5 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
5.6 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
5.6.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
5.6.1.1 IoT
5.6.2 ADJACENT TECHNOLOGIES
5.6.2.1 Artificial intelligence
5.7 PRICING ANALYSIS
5.7.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE, BY COMPONENT, 2024
5.8 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2025-2026
5.9 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.9.1 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
5.9.2 CODES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO SMART PORT MARKET
5.10 PATENT ANALYSIS, 2014-2024
5.11 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
5.11.1 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
5.11.2 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
5.11.3 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
5.11.4 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
5.11.5 INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
5.12 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
5.12.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
5.12.2 BUYING CRITERIA
5.13 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
5.13.1 CASE STUDY 1: CAVOTEC'S SHORE POWER SOLUTIONS REDUCE EMISSIONS AT SHIPPING PORTS
5.13.2 CASE STUDY 2: WIPRO AND ORACLE'S CLOUD SOLUTIONS ENABLE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF GLOBAL PORT OPERATORS
5.13.3 CASE STUDY 3: IMPLEMENTATION OF CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL MANAGEMENT
5.14 IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI/AI IN SMART PORT MARKET
5.14.1 ADOPTION OF GENERATIVE AI/AI IN SMART PORT MARKET
5.14.2 IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI/AI ON PORT TYPE, BY REGION
5.14.3 IMPACT OF AI ON SMART PORT MARKET, BY REGION
5.15 IMPACT OF 2025 US TARIFF - OVERVIEW
5.15.1 INTRODUCTION
5.15.2 KEY TARIFF RATES
5.15.3 IMPACT ON COUNTRY/REGION
5.15.3.1 North America
5.15.3.2 Europe
5.15.3.3 Asia Pacific
5.15.3.4 South America
5.15.3.5 Middle East & Africa
6 SMART PORT MARKET, BY ELEMENT
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 SMART PORT INFRASTRUCTURE
6.2.1 INCREASING GLOBAL TRADE VOLUMES TO CREATE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
6.3 PORT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
6.3.1 RISING FOCUS ON REDUCING WAITING TIMES AT PORT GATES TO FUEL DEMAND
6.4 TERMINAL AUTOMATION & CARGO HANDLING
6.4.1 EMPHASIS ON EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND LABOR OPTIMIZATION IN PORTS TO BOOST ADOPTION
6.5 SMART PORT SAFETY & SECURITY SYSTEMS
6.5.1 ESCALATING CYBER-PHYSICAL RISKS TO SPUR DEMAND
6.6 PORT COMMUNITY SYSTEMS
6.6.1 PROFICIENCY IN LINKING TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS CHAINS TO SPIKE DEMAND
7 SMART PORT MARKET, BY PORT TYPE
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 SEAPORTS
7.2.1 URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE BERTH ALLOCATION, CARGO HANDLING, AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE TO STIMULATE DEMAND
7.3 INLAND PORTS
7.3.1 INCREASING GOVERNMENT INVESTMENTS IN MULTIMODAL PORT INFRASTRUCTURE TO DRIVE MARKET
8 SMART PORT MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 PROCESS AUTOMATION
8.2.1 INCREASING FOCUS ON REDUCING LABOR COSTS AND IMPROVING SAFETY TO ACCELERATE DEMAND
8.3 IOT
8.3.1 SIGNIFICANT NEED FOR REAL-TIME DATA TO MANAGE RISING CARGO VOLUMES TO FACILITATE MARKET GROWTH
8.4 AI
8.4.1 GROWING INCLINATION TOWARD REAL-TIME DECISION-MAKING AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE ADOPTION TO PROPEL MARKET
8.5 BLOCKCHAIN
8.5.1 ESCALATING DEMAND FOR SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSPARENCY IN COMPLEX PORT LOGISTICS NETWORKS TO DRIVE MARKET
9 SMART PORT MARKET, BY THROUGHPUT CAPACITY
9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.2 HIGH THROUGHPUT PORTS
9.2.1 NEED TO HANDLE ULTRA-LARGE VESSELS TO DRIVE MARKET
9.3 MEDIUM THROUGHPUT PORTS
9.3.1 ADOPTION OF SCALABLE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE TURNAROUND TIME TO FUEL MARKET GROWTH
9.4 LOW THROUGHPUT PORTS
9.4.1 RISING NEED FOR PROCESS AUTOMATION TO FOSTER MARKET GROWTH
10 SMART PORT MARKET, BY REGION
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 ASIA PACIFIC
10.2.1 CHINA
10.2.1.1 Digitization and expansion of ports to fuel market growth
10.2.2 SINGAPORE
10.2.2.1 Significant focus on increasing port capacities using digital technologies to drive market
10.2.3 SOUTH KOREA
10.2.3.1 Government-led investments in seaport infrastructure development to fuel market growth
10.2.4 JAPAN
10.2.4.1 Surging adoption of AI technology in ports to enhance operations to foster market growth
10.2.5 HONG KONG
10.2.5.1 Growing maritime activities to boost demand
10.2.6 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
10.3 EUROPE
10.3.1 GERMANY
10.3.1.1 Rising adoption of high-tech and modern shipbuilding technologies to boost demand
10.3.2 ITALY
10.3.2.1 Surging deployment of digital technologies to improve port capacities to propel market
10.3.3 UK
10.3.3.1 Elevating use of AI-enabled logistics platforms, autonomous vehicles, and IoT devices to enhance cargo handling and terminal efficiency to drive market
10.3.4 NETHERLANDS
10.3.4.1 Escalating use of digital twin technology for effective cargo handling to support market growth
10.3.5 REST OF EUROPE
10.4 NORTH AMERICA
10.4.1 US
10.4.1.1 Port modernization initiatives and smart freight corridors to accelerate market growth
10.4.2 CANADA
10.4.2.1 Greater emphasis on building smart ports to reduce emissions and expand trade to facilitate adoption
10.4.3 MEXICO
10.4.3.1 Increasing public and private investment in scaling up maritime infrastructure to create growth opportunities
10.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
10.5.1 UAE
10.5.1.1 Inclination toward reducing port congestion and improving trade throughput to drive market
10.5.2 SAUDI ARABIA
10.5.2.1 Deployment of 5G and cloud computing technologies to increase non-oil exports to create lucrative opportunities
10.5.3 KUWAIT
10.5.3.1 Escalating adoption of next-generation logistics solutions to fuel market growth
10.5.4 SOUTH AFRICA
10.5.4.1 Rising use of AI-driven tools to minimize disruptions in port operations to facilitate market growth
10.5.5 REST OF MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
10.6 SOUTH AMERICA
10.6.1 BRAZIL
10.6.1.1 Growing focus on improving port sustainability and operational efficiency to drive market
10.6.2 CHILE
10.6.2.1 Strategic investments and digital upgrades to contribute to market growth
10.6.3 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
11 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 KEY PLAYER STRATEGIES/RIGHT TO WIN, 2021-2025
11.3 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS, 2024
11.4 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
11.4.1 STARS
11.4.2 EMERGING LEADERS
11.4.3 PERVASIVE PLAYERS
11.4.4 PARTICIPANTS
11.4.5 COMPANY FOOTPRINT: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
11.4.5.1 Company footprint
11.4.5.2 Region footprint
11.4.5.3 Element footprint
11.4.5.4 Throughput capacity footprint
11.4.5.5 Port type footprint
11.5 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: STARTUPS/SMES, 2024