India’s Life Rafts Market – A Quantitative Overview
India might not be the world’s biggest player in the marine safety industry, but when it comes to life rafts, the country is carving a niche space for itself. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers and a steadily growing shipping industry, there’s a consistent domestic and export-driven demand for marine safety equipment — especially life rafts.
Between November 2023 and October 2024, India recorded 228 export shipments of life rafts, making it a modest but active participant in the global trade. Even though exports saw a 30% decline during this period, the industry remains crucial due to rising maritime safety standards and increasing adoption of advanced technologies in life-saving equipment.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 life rafts suppliers in India as of August 2025, backed by export data, certifications, and user feedback from platforms like Freshdi, a trusted B2B marketplace offering real-time market insights, RFQ trends, and supplier verification tools.
Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break down the current status of India’s life raft industry:
Production & Export Insights
- India has around 79 manufacturers and exporters in this segment.
- From November 2023 to October 2024, 228 life raft shipments were recorded.
- Despite this, the export growth rate fell by 30%, signaling competitive pressures or global demand shifts.
Top Export Destinations
India exports life rafts to over 14 countries. The top 3 destinations include:
– United States: 33% of total exports
– United Arab Emirates: 19%
– India (domestic re-imports): 11%
Together, these countries accounted for 63% of India’s life raft exports.
Market Demand Trends
The global marine life raft market is expected to grow from $1.05 billion in 2024 to $1.4 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.9%. The key drivers? Stricter maritime laws, rising shipping traffic, and greater awareness about safety at sea.
On platforms like Freshdi, RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for life rafts have remained steady, even as export volumes decrease — suggesting that domestic demand and quality assurance are becoming more critical than ever.
Emerging Technologies & Sustainability
- IoT Integration: Life rafts with sensors for real-time tracking.
- Eco-friendly Materials: A growing trend towards biodegradable or recyclable components.
- Automated Maintenance Systems: Enhancing reliability and reducing human error.
Top 7 Verified Life Rafts Suppliers in India – August 2025
The following suppliers were selected based on verified export data, certifications, and reliability scores from Freshdi, where buyers can validate supplier credentials and browse RFQ trends.
1. M/S S V R MARINE SERVICE
Known for its wide range of SOLAS-approved life rafts, SVR Marine is a seasoned exporter with strong ties to Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. They’ve maintained consistent RFQ responses and top ratings from international buyers.
2. SHAYONA ELECTRONICS
While the name suggests electronics, Shayona is a diversified supplier offering marine safety gear including inflatable life rafts. Known for innovation and quality checks, they’re increasingly popular among UAE and African buyers.
3. Blue Water Inflatable
Specializing in premium inflatable safety gear, this supplier has recently expanded into smart life rafts with IoT capabilities. Their products are known for durability and compliance with ISO and SOLAS standards.
4. Maa Hitide Enterprice
This Gujarat-based supplier offers cost-effective life-saving equipment with a strong presence in the domestic and Southeast Asian markets. Their production capacity and fast shipping make them a reliable choice for bulk orders.
5. ADITYA MARINE
Aditya Marine is a top-tier supplier with exports reaching the U.S. and Europe. Known for customized solutions and after-sales service, they’re a go-to for high-volume buyers.
6. RAZA MARINE
Raza Marine combines traditional craftsmanship with modern safety tech, offering both rigid and inflatable rafts. Their products are often used by shipping companies in the Middle East and East Africa.
7. Cea Marine
Cea Marine has quickly risen through the ranks due to its focus on sustainability and innovation. Their life rafts are made using recyclable materials, making them a preferred supplier for eco-conscious buyers.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Platforms like Freshdi regularly update supplier rankings based on real-time buyer feedback, RFQ response rates, and shipment volumes. Be sure to check out their “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” section for the latest leaders in the life raft category.
Market Navigation – Trends, Pricing & Demand Patterns
Understanding the rhythm of the market can help you make smarter buying decisions. Here’s what you need to know:
Variant-Based Demand
- Coastal and Riverine Models: High demand in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal due to fishing and tourism.
- Ocean-Grade Life Rafts: More popular among exporters and shipping companies operating in international waters.
Pricing Trends
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Prices tend to rise during monsoons and pre-shipping seasons due to increased safety checks and demand.
- Customization Costs: Smart rafts with GPS, IoT sensors, or solar-powered lights can be 20–30% more expensive.
Using historical data and tools on Freshdi, buyers can analyze pricing patterns and set budgets accordingly.
Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
When sourcing something as critical as life rafts, you can’t rely on guesswork. Here’s why a data-driven approach matters:
- India’s export numbers show clear trends in product movement, destinations, and growth potential.
- Export performance, certifications, and verified buyer feedback should guide your supplier choice.
- Platforms like Freshdi bring all this together — from RFQ analytics to supplier ratings and shipment histories — helping you make confident procurement decisions.
Key Takeaways
- India is a growing but challenged player in the global life raft market.
- Export numbers are down, but innovation and domestic demand are on the rise.
- Verified suppliers like M/S S V R Marine Service and Blue Water Inflatable are leading the charge in 2025.
- Tools like Freshdi provide real-time insights for smarter, safer sourcing.
Life Raft Buyer’s Checklist
Before placing your next order, tick off these essentials:
✅ Is the supplier verified on platforms like Freshdi?
✅ Does the product meet SOLAS, ISO, or local marine safety standards?
✅ Can the supplier provide variant-specific options (coastal, ocean-grade, smart rafts)?
✅ Have you analyzed recent RFQ trends and price fluctuations?
✅ Is there any seasonal urgency that might affect delivery or costs?
Future Outlook – What’s Next for India’s Life Raft Market?
The coming years look promising. With the global marine safety market expanding and environmental regulations tightening, Indian suppliers have a golden opportunity. Those who innovate (think smart tech and green materials) and adapt to international standards will emerge as global contenders.
Platforms like Freshdi will continue playing a key role — not just as a marketplace, but as a procurement intelligence partner, helping buyers navigate complex supply chains with confidence.
References
- Volza – India Life Raft Export Data
- OpenPR – Global Life Raft Market Forecast
- Business Research Insights – Life Raft Tech Trends
- Freshdi – Verified Supplier Database
FAQs
1. What certifications should I look for when buying a life raft?
Always look for SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ISO 9650 certifications. These ensure the raft meets international safety standards.
2. Are Indian life raft manufacturers competitive globally?
Yes, especially in price and customization. However, there’s room for improvement in quality consistency and innovation, which some top suppliers are addressing.
3. Can I get smart life rafts with GPS and sensors from Indian suppliers?
Absolutely. Suppliers like Blue Water Inflatable are already offering smart options with IoT integration.
4. How can Freshdi help me find the right supplier?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ data, verified supplier profiles, and analytics to help buyers make informed decisions.
5. When is the best time to purchase life rafts in India?
The off-season (post-monsoon) usually offers better prices and faster shipping. Plan ahead to avoid peak-season surcharges.
