Live Fish Carrier Market

Live Fish Carrier Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global live fish carrier market is valued at USD 3,700 million by 2025, according to Fact.MR analysis, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% and reach USD 5,970 million by 2035.

Fact.MR research revealed that in 2024, Norwegian, Japanese, and Chinese operators prioritized fleet upgrades, particularly shifting to low-emission and hybrid power systems. This was based on increasingly stringent environmental regulations that reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions for marine transport.

The installation of new carriers equipped with sophisticated oxygen control systems and real-time water quality monitoring became a priority, increasing fish survival rates for long-haul transport while meeting evolving maritime safety standards.

Operational conditions differed widely across regions. European nations are moving toward harmonizing standards for live fish handling and vessel emissions, which is expected to contribute to higher fleet efficiency and lower mortality rates during voyages. Meanwhile, Southeast Asian countries grappled with inconsistent cold chain infrastructure, delays at smaller ports, and variable water treatment practices, resulting in periodic supply chain disruptions.

The analysis indicates that some major aquaculture companies have reacted by embracing integrated operations, placing logistics, storage, and rearing facilities under one umbrella to minimize risk and enhance product traceability.

In 2025, the sector is poised for a decade of steady growth, driven by increased offshore aquaculture projects and growing global demand for seafood. Governments will invest in upgrading ports, harmonizing certification procedures, and implementing digital monitoring technologies to enhance operational resilience.

Fact.MR estimates that shipbuilding consolidation will accelerate as smart-enabled carriers become the norm in the industry. These ships will increasingly have automated environmental controls and data integration to optimize conditions during transit, guaranteeing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 193.37 Billion
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 1148.33 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	19.5%

Fact.MR Survey Results for Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, end-users in the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea)

Fact.MR’s Q4 2024 survey of 500 stakeholders across the U.S., Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea reveals that compliance with animal welfare regulations and the durability of equipment are top priorities. Globally, 82% ranked welfare compliance as critical, while 76% emphasized the use of durable materials, such as steel and aluminum, for long-term value.

Regional priorities diverged: U.S. stakeholders emphasized automation to mitigate labor shortages, whereas those in Western Europe focused on sustainability in materials and emissions. In Japan and South Korea, space efficiency is influenced by the prevalence of land shortages, dictating demand for both short and foldable types.

Technology adoption had significant regional variations. US ranchers took the lead with 58% using IoT-enabled chutes, while only 22% in Japan had adopted advanced technology due to cost and scale limitations.

There was also moderate adoption in Western Europe; in particular, Germany, which operates under the most stringent EU compliance, drove demand for such systems. Steel remained the material of choice globally, but Western Europe preferred aluminum for its mobility and recyclability, while Asian regions favored hybrid models for better corrosion protection and cost-efficiency.

Price sensitivity and logistical concerns remain. The majority of stakeholders cited the increasing prices of steel and aluminum as barriers to implementation. U.S. and European customers had a higher tolerance for premium automation, while Asian stakeholders preferred lower-cost or leased alternatives. Automation, modularity, and green production technologies are expected to receive future investments.

Impact of Government Regulation

Country/Region	Regulatory Impact and Mandatory Certifications
United States	Exporters must comply with USDA APHIS regulations for live aquatic animal transport, including mandatory health certification and facility registration under the APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility (RAEF) program. Classification by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is also required for vessel safety and seaworthiness.
European Union	Operators must adhere to Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 on hygiene rules for food of animal origin. The IUU Regulation also mandates catch documentation to verify the legal sourcing of live fish.
South Korea	The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries mandates that a sanitary health certificate accompany imported live fish. Standards align with Korea's quarantine and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) measures to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.
Canada	The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires an import permit and specific health certifications to protect national aquatic ecosystems. U.S. exporters must meet health criteria outlined by CFIA and NOAA .
Malaysia	All marine ornamental and aquaculture fish imports must include a valid fish health certificate from an approved authority in the exporting country to ensure disease-free status.

Market Analysis

The live fish carrier industry is entering a phase of steady growth, driven by the global rise in offshore aquaculture and stricter regulations on marine sustainability. Demand is shifting toward smart-enabled, low-emission vessels, favoring manufacturers with advanced engineering capabilities and integrated systems. Operators that fail to modernize fleets or align with new compliance standards risk reduced access to export-driven industries and higher mortality losses.

Top Strategic Imperatives, Risk Assessment, and Watchlist for Stakeholders

To achieve long-term competitiveness and address the growing needs of aquaculture, industry players in this sector must respond to three key imperatives. Modernizing the fleet should first focus on intelligent environment controls and hybrid propulsion technology to strengthen reliability and cope with tighter emission controls.

Second, the design of the ship should comply with international standards relating to ammonia discharge, traceability, and biosecurity, in the interests of the export routes. Third, businesses should undertake vertical integration and strategic consolidation to strengthen cold-chain logistics, maximize fleet utilization, and gain access to proprietary technologies through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and research and development (R&D) alliances.

Important risks are higher downtime due to older fleets, a high probability, and a high-impact problem regarding fish survival and contractual performance. Regulatory divergence in trading regions represents a moderate-probability, high-impact challenge, which could slow certifications and complicate cross-border operations. A third issue is a shortage of experienced labor to make smart retrofits, a moderate-probability, medium-impact limitation on modernization.

Over the next 12 months, stakeholders will need to accelerate feasibility studies on AI-based oxygenation systems, establish OEM collaboration loops to comply with evolving hybrid standards, and roll out retrofit incentive pilots through channel partners in various regions. These steps will drive accelerated smart fleet upgrades, positioning operators to address tougher compliance requirements while mitigating transit-related losses.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must immediately reassess their fleet investment roadmap to prioritize smart-enabled, low-emission vessel upgrades that meet evolving regulatory and operational benchmarks. This intelligence highlights a clear shift in the industry toward integrated oxygenation, AI-based monitoring, and modular retrofit technologies, which are no longer optional but have become mission-critical for competitiveness.

Moving forward, firms must reallocate capital toward fleet automation, form regional compliance task forces, and expand co-development with OEMs to stay ahead of certification curves and client demands. This strategic shift will not only safeguard trade access but also unlock new lanes in offshore aquaculture and cross-border seafood logistics.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Carrier Type

The saltwater carrier segment is expected to be the most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period. This segment leads due to its dominant role in supporting marine aquaculture, particularly in high-output regions such as Norway, Canada, and Chile. Saltwater carriers are designed for long-haul, high-volume operations, transporting species like salmon and sea bream across international supply chains.

Fact.MR analysis suggests their higher capacity, regulatory readiness, and suitability for offshore transport make them indispensable to global seafood logistics. Growing investments in AI-driven oxygenation and ammonia-neutral propulsion systems further strengthen their profitability outlook, particularly as nations impose stricter animal welfare and traceability regulations across the marine transport sector.

By Length

The <50-meter vessel category is the least lucrative in this segment, with an expected growth rate of just 3.5% during the assessment period. These short-length vessels cater primarily to inland and short-haul operations, offering limited scalability. Designed for low-volume, cost-sensitive aquaculture logistics, their outdated features and limited capacity reduce long-term viability.

Fact.MR analysis found that as aquaculture operations scale up globally, demand is shifting toward mid and large-sized vessels capable of meeting compliance and traceability standards. While units with less than 50 m remain viable in developing regions, modernization trends across Europe and East Asia will likely marginalize their relevance in the years ahead, as governments and producers increasingly prioritize fleet capacity and regulatory adaptability.

By Capacity

The segment with a capacity of less than 2,500 m³ is expected to be the least lucrative, growing at a CAGR of only 3.2% from 2025 to 2035. This segment supports hyper-local fish transport and rural aquaculture operations. However, the global trend toward offshore farming, export-oriented logistics, and higher throughput vessels has led to the diminishing relevance of low-capacity carriers.

Fact.MR analysis suggests that their operational limitations and poor upgrade feasibility will accelerate their decline in commercial settings. As countries implement smarter, tech-integrated fleets with modular mid-capacity designs, vessels with a capacity of less than 2,500 m³ will struggle to meet quality and sustainability benchmarks. Their continued use will largely depend on subsidies and localized needs, not strategic growth investments from logistics operators or aquaculture majors.

Country-wise Insights

U.S.

In the U.S., the industry is likely to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period. This growth is propelled by increasing demand for sustainable seafood logistics, particularly in coastal aquaculture hubs such as Alaska, Maine, and the Pacific Northwest.

Fact.MR analysis found that public investment in hybrid vessel technologies and real-time water monitoring systems is accelerating. Government-backed certification programs from USDA and APHIS are enforcing stricter quality and welfare standards for live aquatic exports, fostering a push toward smart retrofits and modular designs .

Additionally, the U.S. benefits from an advanced cold-chain and maritime infrastructure, enabling long-distance and multi-species transportation with minimal mortality rates. Strategic alignment with food safety regulations and consumer traceability preferences is driving OEMs and logistics providers to co-develop integrated aquaculture transport solutions. The country’s robust R&D environment and incentive structures are also attracting private equity investment in fleet modernization, strengthening the U.S.’s leadership position in premium seafood logistics.

UK

UK’s sales are expected to register a CAGR of 4.6% in the assessment term. The sector in the UK is driven by Scotland's thriving salmon aquaculture industry, which necessitates frequent, regulated live fish transport across domestic and EU routes.

Fact.MR analysis suggests that operators are adopting hybrid propulsion systems and onboard diagnostic tools in response to environmental oversight by DEFRA and the Environment Agency. Additionally, post-Brexit logistical realignments are encouraging investment in domestic vessels equipped for traceability and welfare compliance.

Despite promising developments, the UK faces certain structural constraints. Labor shortages in shipbuilding and slower port-side automation have led to moderate fleet renewal rates. However, the country’s circular economy goals and emphasis on decarbonized marine logistics are influencing investment in recyclable and energy-efficient carrier designs. Government funding and emerging public-private collaborations are expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining compliance and boosting exports to high-value European destinations.

France

The industry is expected to grow at a 4.4% CAGR in France during the assessment period. The expansion of aquaculture activity in regions such as Brittany and Occitanie is driving demand for welfare-compliant live fish transportation systems.

Fact.MR analysis revealed that French operators are under increasing pressure to align with the EU's Animal Welfare Strategy 2023-2027 and IUU regulations, which have led to the retrofitting of older vessels with improved water control and oxygenation systems. These changes are critical for preserving fish health during short- and mid-haul deliveries.

Nevertheless, France’s fragmented port infrastructure and limited high-spec shipbuilding capacity have slowed the pace of fleet modernization. The government’s national aquaculture roadmap has introduced funding for sustainable logistics; however, execution lags behind that of peers such as Germany and Norway. As consumer demand for organic and traceable seafood increases, France is expected to invest more capital in modernizing its aquaculture transport networks, striking a balance between regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Germany

In Germany, the industry landscape is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035. Strong alignment with EU environmental regulations, high seafood demand, and a competitive domestic manufacturing base support this growth.

Fact.MR analysis suggests that vessel modernization in Germany is closely tied to the EU Green Deal and local carbon reduction targets. Operators are integrating ammonia-neutral propulsion systems, AI-based diagnostics, and recyclable components to meet increasingly stringent sustainability benchmarks.

Germany's robust inland aquaculture sector, particularly in trout and carp farming, is creating new use cases for small- to mid-capacity live carriers. Additionally, federal research funding is encouraging innovations in modular fish transport and smart traceability systems. As global demand for ethically sourced seafood rises, Germany’s mature engineering ecosystem and commitment to green logistics position it as a model for compliance-driven innovation in the European transport sector.

Italy

In Italy, the industry is projected to grow at a 4.2% CAGR during the forecast period. Growth stems from aquaculture development in regions such as Apulia, Sicily, and Tuscany, where mid-range live carriers are essential for marine species like sea bream and sea bass.

An analysis by Fact.MR has indicated that some regulatory reforms and aquaculture funding from the European Union have been translated into some selective enhancement in specific areas of transport infrastructure and vessel standards. Meanwhile, other huddles, such as bureaucratic delays and fragmentation of regulatory frameworks across different regions, continue to slow down the pace of technology adoption.

Italy's domestic shipyards are looking toward hybrid designs from Northern European OEMs for significantly limited production. Passion is still fueled by expensive exports to Eastern Europe and North Africa, which is holding the carrier. The limited national retrofitting capacity makes this unscalable in terms of size. Increased consumer focus on traceability is driving the adoption of on-board tracking systems, and government-backed incentives for sustainable transportation could complement these efforts in modernizing the industry in the medium term.

South Korea

In South Korea, the sector is estimated to expand by a CAGR of 4.8% between 2025 and 2035. Government incentives and green tax credits, aimed at stimulating low-emission and AI-assisted logistics systems, favor this growth pattern.

According to Fact.MR analysis indicates that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is propelling this growth momentum by promoting fleet modernization through public-private partnerships and digital innovation hubs. South Korea has already begun piloting robotic environmental control on board ships, which would improve survival rates during regional transport.

Fleet builders in Busan and Yeosu capitalize on this policy evolution by designing and building compact, automated vessels tailored to meet aquaculture requirements. The increased domestic consumption of seafood and booming export markets in Southeast Asia now necessitate further transportation requirements. Aligning regulations with advanced shipbuilding capabilities, South Korea should be at the forefront of smart logistics for marine aquaculture.

Japan

Japan’s sales are expected to develop at a CAGR of 4.1% during the period 2025-2035. The industry remains stable but constrained by aging infrastructure and high retrofitting costs.

Fact.MR analysis found that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has initiated funding for vessel modernization and sustainable aquaculture, though adoption rates vary by region. Areas like Kyushu and Shikoku remain priority zones for future investment due to higher aquaculture output.

Japan’s shipyards are cautiously transitioning toward lightweight and smart-integrated vessels, but investment behavior remains risk-averse. While demand for domestic fish, such as yellowtail and eel, is robust, limited automation and complex certification processes are slowing fleet turnover.

Nonetheless, rising interest in food traceability and sustainability may incentivize new players to innovate. If digital regulations are standardized and access to subsidies improves, Japan’s potential in aquaculture logistics could accelerate after 2030.

China

The aquaculture logistics industry in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2035. This strong growth is driven by the expansion of offshore aquaculture, high domestic seafood consumption, and aggressive investment under China's 14th Five-Year Plan.

The analysis of Fact.MR indicates that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is promoting automated and green-compliant vessel technologies through subsidies, as well as port upgrades. Shandong and Zhejiang shipyards quickly introduced large-capacity ships for long-distance domestic and regional routes.

China’s vertically integrated seafood sector, encompassing hatcheries, cold-chain infrastructure, and export logistics, provides a significant competitive advantage. Deployment of ammonia-reduction systems and onboard analytics has become standard for new fleets. As traceability and sustainability mandates gain global importance, China is poised to scale its aquaculture transport ecosystem, both to meet internal demands and to dominate Southeast Asian seafood corridors.

Australia-New Zealand

In New Zealand and Australia, the sector is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% within the assessment period. Aquaculture vessels are increasingly needed in regional hubs like Tasmania and South Australia for high-value species like salmon and tuna; according to the Fact.MR analysis reveals that the regulatory regimes of AQIS and MPI have made a strong case for the adoption of transport systems that prioritize biosecurity and environmental compliance. However, cost-effectiveness remains a challenge due to long distances and limited port capacity.

Both countries are also sponsoring grants for the sustainable upgrade of their vessels and are working with Scandinavian OEMs to fill gaps in shipbuilding. Despite minimal domestic manufacturing, local demand for premium seafood and the need for traceability standards exert an influence by embedding smart oxygenation and temperature controls. Through policy alignment and progressively funded regional innovation pilots, a moderate yet steady growth is anticipated in this niche yet vital segment.

Competitive Landscape

The industry is moving toward consolidation, with the top players such as AquaShip, Sølvtrans, and Kongsberg Maritime growing through mergers, innovation, and fleet consolidation. Firms are competing on the basis of sustainable ship technologies, bundled service portfolios, and cross-border alliances, in line with tighter animal welfare and traceability regulations.

AquaShip significantly enhanced its international presence in December 2024 by merging with FSV Group, creating the world's second-largest aquaculture service provider in the maritime sector. Together, the total fleet of 60 vessels extends the group's ability in the transportation of live fish, treatment, and on-site support services. The combination represents a strategic move toward operating multi-functional vessels within Northern Europe.

Kongsberg Maritime enhanced its technological lead in May 2024 with a contract with Eidsvaag AS to design and outfit two salmon forage carriers with hybrid propulsion and dynamic positioning systems, enabling more efficient offshore farming logistics.

MacGregor, which Cargotec owns, meanwhile provides integrated live fish handling systems as opposed to end-to-end transport services, specializing as a vital component supplier for retrofit and new build activities across the world. These advances underscore the industry's trend toward integrated operations and technology-based service delivery.

Competition Analysis

AquaShip (20-25% share) will continue to lead the live fish carrier industry in 2025, underpinned by its emphasis on environmentally friendly wellbore operations and low-emission transport-optimized fleet. The company's expertise in sustainable aquaculture logistics makes it well-placed in Northern Europe, where traceability and regulatory compliance are prime drivers. Its up-to-date fleet and investment in onboard environmental control systems guarantee a long-term competitive edge.

Sølvtrans (15-20%), the globe's largest operator of wellboats, remains at the top in Atlantic salmon shipping, particularly along Norwegian and Scottish farming regions. Its size, efficiency of operation, and direct routes for salmon logistics form the basis of its strong position. Mowi (10-15%), with vertically integrated business practices, achieves in-house logistics through own proprietary wellboats. It minimizes the use of third-party operators, enabling closer control of quality when handling live fish.

Havyard (8-12%) is a key player in constructing live fish carriers and providing new vessel designs to leading operators. Kongsberg (5-10%) focuses on advanced solutions, including automation and monitoring equipment that enhance fish welfare during transportation. MacGregor (5-8%), a Cargotec company, provides integrated live fish handling systems rather than full transport services, establishing a niche as a key component supplier for retrofit and new build operations worldwide.

Other Key Players

• Verksted AS
• Adria Winch
• Arctic Group
• Rolls-Royce
• Oliverdesign
• Palfinger Marine
• Peak Marine Tech
• Salt Ship Design
• Lerøy Havfisk
• Sterner AS
• Skipskompetanse AS
• Moen Marin
• MMC First Process
• Sølvtrans
• Mowi
• Other Prominent Players

Live Fish Carrier Market Segmentation

• By Carrier Type :

  • Salt Water Carrier
  • Fresh Water Carrier
  • Mixed Carrier

• By Length :

  • Less than 50 m
  • 50–75 m
  • Above 75 m

• By Capacity :

  • Less than 2500 m³
  • 2500–5000 m³
  • Above 5000 m³

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa