세계 파이프 부설선 시장 규모는 예측 기간인 2025-2032년 5.56%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)로 2024년 28억 1,000만 달러에서 2032년 43억 3,000만 달러로 성장할 것으로 예측됩니다. 세계 파이프 부설선 시장은 에너지 수요 증가로 인해 최근 몇 년간 크게 성장했으며, 육상 석유 및 가스 매장량 고갈은 앞으로도 계속 확대될 것으로 예측됩니다. 파이프 부설선은 해상 유전과 육상 처리 플랜트를 효율적으로 연결하는 데 도움을 주며, 이는 시장 수요를 견인하고 있습니다. 파이프 부설 선박은 혁신적인 항해 기술과 자동 파이프 처리 시스템을 갖추고 있어 효율적이고 안전한 운영에 도움이 되어 시장 수요를 견인하고 있습니다. 파이프 부설 방법의 미래 기술 개발은 작업 효율을 개선하고 현대 선박의 잠재력을 향상시켜 파이프 부설 선박을 더 복잡하고 까다로운 조건에 적합하게 만들고 있습니다.
또한, 에너지 기업들은 해양 생산 및 탐사에 대한 투자를 늘리고 있으며, 이러한 프로젝트에는 정교한 파이프 부설 선박이 필요하기 때문에 시장에서 파이프 부설 선박에 대한 수요를 주도하고 있습니다. 심해 및 초심해 프로젝트에 대한 투자 증가는 파이프 부설선의 용도를 넓혀 시장 수요를 증가시키고 있습니다. 선진국과 신흥국 모두에서 여러 해양 프로젝트가 진행 중이며, 이는 파이프 부설 선박에 대한 수요를 증가시키고 있습니다.
예를 들어, 2024년 기준으로 약 80억 배럴(석유 및 가스 환산 기준)의 석유 및 가스 자원이 새로 발견되었고, 약 40억 배럴의 매장량이 해양 개발을 위해 승인되었습니다. 이러한 개발은 해양 프로젝트 증가를 강조하고 있으며, 이는 시장에서 파이프 부설 선박에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다.
세계의 파이프 부설선 시장에 대해 조사했으며, 시장 개요와 함께 파이프 부설 시스템 유형별/수심별/지역별 동향, 시장 진출 기업 프로파일 등의 정보를 전해드립니다.
Global pipe laying vessel market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.56% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 2.81 billion in 2024 to USD 4.33 billion in 2032. The global pipe laying vessel market has experienced significant growth in recent years due to escalating energy demands, and the depletion of onshore oil and gas reserves is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years. Pipe laying vessel helps to link offshore fields with onshore processing plants efficiently which drives its demand in the market. The pipe laying vessel is equipped with innovative navigation technology and an automated pipe handling system which helps in the efficient and safe operation, thus driving its demand in the market. The future technological developments in laying pipe methods have improved the operational efficiency and increased the potential for contemporary vessels, which makes pipe laying vessels appropriate for more complex and demanding conditions.
Furthermore, the energy companies are investing more and more in offshore production and exploration, and these projects require a sophisticated pipe laying vessel to be employed, therefore driving the demand for pipe laying vessels in the market. The rising investment in deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects is broadening the application of pipe-laying vessels, which boosts its demand in the market. Several offshore projects are coming in both developed and developing countries which drive the demand for pipe laying vessel in the market.
For instance, as of 2024, around 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) of oil and gas resources were announced in new offshore discoveries, nearly 4 bboe of reserves were sanctioned for development offshore, and more than 6 bboe began to be tapped as offshore projects started up. This development highlights the rising offshore projects which will drive the demand for pipe laying vessels in the market.
Expansion of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Amplifying Market Demand
Globally, the demand for oil products is increasing, which is increasingly turning oil and gas companies to explore the offshore reserves. Companies are exploring the deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields to secure future supplies of oil in the market. Developed and developing regions are involved in discoveries and making significant investments for the development of large-scale offshore fields which leads to the deployment of pipelines on the sea surface. Additionally, advancements in ultra-deepwater and deepwater drilling technologies have rendered hitherto untappable reserves economical, thereby prompting the major oil firms to invest more capital in offshore operations, leading to demand for pipe laying vessels in the market.
For instance, May 2025, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. agreed to work with Exxon Mobil Corporation to boost capacity at the offshore Upper Zakum field. The company is looking to invest around USD 150 billion which is primarily focused on raising crude production capacity and making the country self-sufficient in natural gas. This development highlights that oil companies are investing in the offshore oil extraction projects, which drive the demand for the deployment of sufficient pipe laying vessels for the operations.
Oil and gas operators are investing in deploying long subsea pipelines and umbilicals to link offshore production hubs with onshore terminals and processing plants directly and this increases demand for specialized pipe laying vessels. Oil companies are investing in complicated extraction ventures, which demand sophisticated vessels with dynamic positioning and heavy-lift capabilities, thereby increasing the market demand for the pipe laying vessel market in the projected period.
Rising Investment in Infrastructure Upgrades and Maintenance Creating Market Opportunities
Globally, the energy demand continues to climb which leading to the expansion of offshore oil and gas production. Oil companies are adopting modern equipment and maintaining extensive subsea pipeline networks for the proper transport of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products from offshore fields to onshore facilities. Large oil producers are further expected to accelerate investments in energy security pipe infrastructure, deepwater exploration projects, and renewable energy integration, which accelerate the pipe laying vessel market growth in the coming years.
Moreover, major areas like the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia-Pacific are accelerating offshore production and infrastructure developments that necessitate sophisticated and productive pipe laying vessels capable of supporting enhanced improved oil recovery systems, and subsea tiebacks and withstand harsh environments. Also, the shift towards renewable energy and increasing LNG trade are fueling demand for new subsea infrastructure, continuously increasing demand for pipe laying vessels in the market. Further, the maintenance and upgrade of the aging pipeline infrastructure continue to create a market opportunity for the pipe laying vessel market.
For instance, in May 2025, Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC announced the successful completion of the first pipeline installation in the Gulf of America for the 2025 season. The installation of Morrison's 265' x 72' pipelay barge was executed. The 8" oil pipeline was installed for Crescent Midstream off the coast of Louisiana in 425 feet of water.
S-Lay Pipe Laying System Type Dominates the Global Market
S-lay pipe laying system dominates the market due to its versatility and high productivity in the operation. The S-lay system is particularly suitable for installing pipelines in shallow to medium water depths. S-lay system is able to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters from small to large-diameter trunklines which makes the system ideal for both oil and gas transmission and major infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the system is adaptable to deeper waters with appropriate vessel and stinger configurations which drive its adoption in the market.
Moreover, S-lay system assists in maintaining efficient assembly and stringent quality control before the pipeline is gradually lowered to the seabed in an S-shaped curve thus lowering the risk associated with the process. The S-lay system is combined with advanced automation and control interfaces which further enhance operational safety and reduce manpower requirements. The above-mentioned advantages make the S-lay system the preferred choice for several offshore pipeline projects, driving its dominant position in the global market.
North America Region Dominates the Global Pipe Laying Vessel Market
The region is experiencing the growing offshore and deepwater exploration projects and expanding energy infrastructure needs which drive the demand for pipe laying vessels in the North America market. The expansion of the United States and Canadian oil and gas industry further adds to the demand for new and expanded pipeline infrastructure, as vast natural gas reserves are being tapped ever more heavily for domestic consumption and export, thereby making the region dominate the market. Besides, the area is expected to increase the offshore oil and gas pipelines during the forecast period to accommodate the numerous forthcoming projects like Canyon gathering system and Sparta pipeline which is generating the market opportunity for the pipe laying vessel market.
Additionally, government support through investments, subsidies, and regulatory incentives is fostering a favourable environment for pipeline development in the region. Furthermore, the push to modernize aging infrastructure and accommodate new energy sources, including LNG which contributes to heightened demand for specialized pipe laying vessels in the market. Several oil companies in the region are investing in new pipeline platform to increase production from offshore.
For instance, in February 2025, Shell Offshore Inc. and Shell Pipeline Company (SPLC), subsidiaries of Shell plc (Shell), have signed an agreement to increase stake in the Ursa platform in the Gulf of America. This development will increase the company working interest (WI) in its operated Ursa platform, pipeline, and associated fields from 45.38% to a maximum of 61.35% which will increase the oil production in the region.
Impact of the United States Tariffs on Global Pipe Laying Vessel Market
Tariffs on steel, aluminium, and imported material have driven up the cost of critical materials and equipment which are used in the manufacturing of the pipe laying vessels.
Tariffs and new port fees have disrupted established global supply chains which is leading to project delays, procurement challenges, and increased volatility in vessel availability.
To offset tariff impacts, companies are localizing supply chains, investing in domestic shipbuilding, and seeking alternative sourcing strategies.
The tariffs have introduced greater uncertainty to the global market, with risks of retaliatory duties from affected countries (such as China and Canada) which could further impact the United States market.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
To increase market share in the global pipe laying vessel market, key players are investing heavily in technological innovation, integrating advanced systems to enhance efficiency and safety of the vessel. Companies are expanding their fleets with vessels capable of operating in deep and ultra-deep waters to meet growing offshore exploration demands in different countries. Players are looking to enter into strategic collaborations, long-term contracts with oil and gas companies to further strengthen their competitive positions. Agreements, business expansions, collaborations, and developing technologies are projected to increase competition in the fast-paced market.
For instance, in May 2024, Sapura Energy Berhad has decided to enter into a joint venture with Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) for the provision of subsea services and six pipe-laying support vessels (PLSVs) worth USD 1.8 billion in contracts. This development highlights company are entering in a strategic move to increase the market share and revenue in the coming years.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.