해양지원선 세계 시장 규모는 2024년 462억 달러에 달했습니다. IMARC 그룹은 2025년부터 2033년까지의 성장률(CAGR)은 3.2%를 나타낼 것으로 예상되며, 2033년에는 613억 달러에 이를 것으로 예측했습니다. 신재생에너지에 대한 주목으로 인한 해상풍력발전 프로젝트 증가, 해상 탐사 및 생산 증가, 노후화된 배의 업그레이드 증가는 시장을 추진하는 주요 요인의 일부입니다.
해양지원선(OSV)은 석유 및 가스 산업의 해양 운영에 필수적인 서비스와 후방 지원을 제공하도록 설계된 특수 선박입니다. 고도의 항행안전 설비를 갖추어, 해외 활동의 원활하고 효율적인 기능을 확보합니다. 공급선, 앵커 핸들링 태그 공급선, 승무원 보트로 사용할 수 있습니다. 해외 플랫폼으로 인원과 장비를 운송, 긴급 대응 및 구조 서비스 제공, 수중 인프라 설치 및 유지 보수 지원 등 다양한 작업의 원활화를 지원합니다.
현재 세계 해외 원격지에 필요한 필수품, 장비 및 인력 운송에 OSV 채택이 증가하고 있으며 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 이에 더해 다금속 단괴나 희토류 원소 등 광물의 해양 채굴의 인기가 높아지고 있는 것도 시장의 성장을 강화하고 있습니다. 이에 따라 일부 국가의 행정기관은 해상 조업에 보다 엄격한 안전 및 환경규제를 부과하고 있으며, 이는 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 이와는 별도로 OSV의 효율성과 안전성 향상을 지원하는 선박 설계, 자동화, 디지털화에 있어서의 진보 증가가 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. 게다가 파이프라인과 해중시설 등 해저 인프라 건설 활동 증가로 OSV 수요 증가는 시장 전망에 밝기를 가져옵니다.
해양 탐사 및 생산 활동 증가
전 세계적으로 증가하는 에너지 수요를 충족시키기 위해 해양 탐사 및 생산 활동이 증가하고 있습니다. 또한 육상 매장량의 고갈에 따라 해상에서의 탄화수소의 탐사 및 생산이 증가하고 있는 것도 시장의 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 이와 함께 해양 탐사는 개발되지 않은 매장량에 대한 액세스를 제공하며, 이들은 종종 어렵고 외딴 환경에 위치합니다. 그 결과 이러한 작업을 용이하게 하는 OSV 수요가 높아지고 있습니다. OSV는 해양 플랫폼으로 인력, 장비 및 물품을 운송하는 데 중요한 역할을 하며 원활한 운영과 중단 없는 생산을 보장합니다. 또한 지진 조사, 갱정 굴착, 해저 건설 활동도 지원합니다.
증가하는 해상 풍력 발전 프로젝트
전 세계적으로 재생가능 에너지원에 대한 선호도가 높아지고 있는 것을 배경으로 해상풍력발전 프로젝트의 수가 증가하고 있어 시장 전망은 양호합니다. 해상 풍력 발전소는 보다 강하고 안정된 풍속을 제공하고 보다 높은 에너지 생성을 지원합니다. 또한, OSV는 이러한 윈드 팜의 건설과 유지 보수에 필수적입니다. OSV는 풍력 터빈의 구성 요소를 육상 조립 야드에서 해상 사이트로 운송하고 설치 및 기초 건설을 지원하며 지속적인 유지 보수 및 수리 서비스를 제공합니다. 이 외에도 다양한 국가들이 재생가능 에너지 목표를 달성하고 이산화탄소 배출량을 줄이기 위해 OSV 채택을 늘리고 있으며, 이는 시장에 긍정적인 영향을 미칩니다.
노후화된 선박 업그레이드 증가
현재 운항되고 있는 OSV의 대부분은 상당한 기간 동안 사용되어 온 노후화된 선박의 일부입니다. 운영자는 더욱 새롭고 기술적으로 진보된 선대의 현대화에 점점 투자하고 있습니다. 이러한 최신 OSV는 연료 효율 향상, 배출 가스 절감, 안전 기능 강화, 운항 능력 향상을 실현하고 있습니다. 이에 따라 선대 업그레이드는 엄격한 환경 규제 준수를 지원하고 해외 운영의 전반적인 효율성을 높입니다. 그 결과 선주와 운영자는 경쟁력을 유지하고 최신 업계 표준을 준수하며 지속가능성과 혁신을 촉진하기 위해 오래된 선박을 선진적이고 현대적인 OSV로 대체했습니다.
The global offshore support vessels market size reached USD 46.2 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 61.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% during 2025-2033. The growing number of offshore wind energy projects due to the focus on renewable energy sources, rising offshore exploration and production, and increasing upgradation of aging fleets are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Offshore support vessels (OSVs) are specialized maritime vessels that are designed to provide essential services and logistical support to offshore operations in the oil and gas industry. They are equipped with advanced navigation and safety equipment and ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of offshore activities. They are available as supply vessels, anchor handling tug supply vessels, and crew boats. They assist in facilitating various tasks, such as transporting personnel and equipment to offshore platforms, providing emergency response and rescue services, and assisting with the installation and maintenance of underwater infrastructure.
At present, the increasing adoption of OSVs for transporting essential supplies, equipment, and personnel to remote offshore locations across the globe is contributing to the growth of the market. Besides this, the rising popularity of offshore mining of minerals, such as polymetallic nodules and rare earth elements, is strengthening the market growth. In line with this, governing agencies of several countries are imposing stricter safety and environmental regulations on offshore operations, which is propelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, rising advancements in vessel design, automation, and digitalization that assist in improving the efficiency and safety of OSVs are bolstering the growth of the market. Furthermore, the growing demand for OSVs due to the increasing subsea infrastructure construction activities, such as pipelines and underwater facilities, is offering a positive market outlook.
Rising offshore exploration and production activities
There is a rise in offshore exploration and production activities to fulfill the increasing demand for energy across the globe. In addition, the rising exploration and production of hydrocarbons from offshore locations due to the depletion of onshore reserves is contributing to the growth of the market. In line with this, offshore exploration offers access to untapped reserves, which are often located in challenging and remote environments. As a result, there is a growing demand for OSVs to facilitate these operations. OSVs play a crucial role in transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to offshore platforms and ensure smooth operations and uninterrupted production. Additionally, they support seismic surveys, well drilling, and subsea construction activities.
Increasing offshore wind energy projects
The rising number of offshore wind energy projects on account of the increasing preference for renewable sources of energy across the globe is offering a favorable market outlook. Offshore wind farms offer stronger and more consistent wind speeds that assist in higher energy generation. In addition, OSVs are vital in the construction and maintenance of these wind farms. They are involved in transporting wind turbine components from onshore assembly yards to offshore sites, assisting with installation and foundation works, and providing ongoing maintenance and repair services. Apart from this, various countries are increasingly adopting OSVs to meet their renewable energy targets and reduce carbon emissions, which is positively influencing the market.
Rising upgradation of the aging fleet
Many OSVs in operation today are part of aging fleets that have been in service for a considerable period. Operators are increasingly investing in modernizing their fleets with newer and more technologically advanced vessels. These modern OSVs offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, enhanced safety features, and increased operational capabilities. In line with this, upgrading the fleet assists in meeting stringent environmental regulations and enhances the overall efficiency of offshore operations. As a result, ship owners and operators are replacing older vessels with advanced and modern OSVs to remain competitive and compliant with the latest industry standards and promote sustainability and innovation.
Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessel
Platform Supply Vessel
Fast Supply Intervention Vessel
Multi-Purpose Service Vessel
Others
Anchor handling towing supply vessel represents the largest market segment
Anchor handling towing supply vessels are powerful and versatile vessels designed to handle anchors, tow rigs, and perform a wide range of tasks in offshore operations. They are equipped with powerful winches, towing pins, and stern rollers that enable them to handle heavy anchor chains and mooring lines with precision. In line with this, they assist in the installation, relocation, and recovery of offshore drilling rigs. Moreover, they are essential for providing static positioning support to offshore installations during critical operations.
Shallow Water
Deepwater
Shallow water accounts for the majority of the market share
Shallow water OSVs are designed to navigate and support offshore activities in coastal areas, continental shelves, and other relatively shallow offshore regions. They are compact in size, shallow draft, and maneuverable, which allows them to access areas with restricted depth and limited infrastructure. Apart from this, in shallow water regions, OSVs play a vital role in supporting activities, such as exploration, drilling, well servicing, and subsea construction. They provide transportation of personnel and equipment, deliver supplies to offshore platforms, and facilitate the movement of goods between onshore bases and shallow water installations.
Fuel Oil
LNG
Fuel oil holds the largest market share
Fuel oil is a dense and viscous liquid petroleum product that is derived from crude oil refining processes. It is widely used as a fuel source in various maritime applications, such as OSVs, as these vessels are equipped with internal combustion engines that run on fuel oil to generate the power required for propulsion and to operate various onboard systems. In line with this, fuel oil powered OSVs are known for their enhanced reliability, which makes them well-suitable for long-haul voyages and offshore operations.
Technical Services
Inspection & Survey
Crew Management
Logistics & Cargo Management
Anchor Handling & Seismic Support
Others
Technical services OSVs are specialized vessels that are equipped with advanced equipment and skilled personnel to support various technical aspects of offshore operations. These vessels assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of offshore infrastructure, such as oil and gas platforms, subsea equipment, pipelines, and underwater structures. They assist in conducting offshore construction and engineering works, such as lifting heavy loads and providing diving support for underwater activities.
Inspection and survey OSVs are tailored to carry out various types of offshore inspections, surveys, and data collection tasks. These vessels are equipped with surveying equipment, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other inspection tools. They facilitate activities like bathymetric surveys, environmental monitoring, geotechnical investigations, and pipeline inspections.
Crew management OSVs are designed to provide accommodation and logistical support to personnel working on offshore installations. These vessels serve as floating accommodations to houses and cater to the needs of offshore workers during their shifts.
Oil and Gas Applications
Offshore Applications
Oil and gas applications represent the biggest market share
The rising utilization of OSVs in oil and gas applications for supporting offshore exploration, production, and transportation activities is propelling the growth of the market. These vessels play a crucial role in the entire lifecycle of offshore oil and gas projects. During exploration, OSVs support seismic surveys and assist in the transportation of exploration teams and equipment to remote offshore sites. They also provide logistical support by delivering supplies and provisions to exploration vessels and platforms. In the production phase, OSVs are essential for the transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies to offshore drilling rigs, production platforms, and floating production facilities.
North America
United States
Canada
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Australia
Indonesia
Others
Europe
Germany
France
United Kingdom
Italy
Spain
Russia
Others
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Others
Middle East and Africa
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest offshore support vessels market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.
Asia Pacific held the biggest market share due to the presence of vast offshore reserves. Apart from this, the rising interest in renewable energy sources is contributing to the growth of the market in the region. In line with this, the increasing demand for OSVs for port support and logistics services is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, the rising offshore exploration and production activities on account of the increasing demand for energy is bolstering the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific region.
Major manufacturers are continuously upgrading their fleets with newer and more technologically advanced vessels. Modern OSVs are designed to be more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and equipped with advanced equipment to meet the changing demands of offshore operations. In addition, many companies are diversifying their service offerings by providing inspection and survey services, subsea operations, and renewable energy support. Besides this, various companies are focusing on sustainability and green practices in the industry and adopting measures, such as utilizing cleaner fuels, integrating renewable energy solutions, and promoting eco-conscious operations. Furthermore, key manufacturers are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to improve vessel capabilities and enhance operational efficiency.
Bourbon
Grupo CBO
Gulfmark
Havila
Maersk
Seacor Marine
SIEM Offshore
Solstad
Swire
Tayrona Offshore
Tidewater
Vroon Group