Stratistics MRC에 따르면 세계의 저압 시추 시장은 2025년 44억 달러를 차지하고 예측 기간 중 CAGR은 8.2%로 확대되어 2032년까지 77억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
저압 시추(UBD)는 갱정내의 압력을 지층압력보다 의도적으로 낮게 유지하는 고도의 드릴링 기술입니다. 고갈된 저류층이나 영향을 받기 쉬운 저류층에서 특히 유용합니다.
MMR의 조사에 따르면 석유 수요는 2023년까지 일량 686만 배럴 증가할 것으로 예상되고 있습니다. 2018년 Indian Oil Corporation은 정유소 및 드릴링 능력 증대, 석유화학 생산 증가, 석유 및 가스 사업 증가, 드릴링 절차 확장을 위해 약 248억 3,000만 달러를 투자하는 전략을 선언했습니다.
세계 에너지 수요 증가와 기존 자원의 고갈
세계 에너지 소비 증가와 쉽게 접근할 수 있는 재래형 석유 및 가스 매장량의 지속적인 감소가 함께 저압 시추(UBD)과 같은 보다 고도의 드릴링 기술에 대한 수요가 높아지고 있습니다. 입니다. UBD는 기존의 오버 밸런스 조건에서 과제가되는 환경에서 드릴링을 가능하게합니다.
특정 지층에서 갱정의 불안정성
그 이점에도 불구하고, 저압 시추은 특히 불안정한 지층을 다루는 경우에 기술적인 한계에 직면합니다. 또한 감압 조건 하에서 갱정의 건전성을 유지하는 복잡성이 특정 지역에서의 UBD의 보급을 제한하고 있습니다.
생산성이 높은 오일층의 조기 발견과 동적 시험
UBD는 드릴링 중에 생산성이 높은 구역을 실시간으로 파악할 수 있으므로 저류층 평가에서 독특한 이점을 제공합니다. 이 즉각적인 피드백은 운영자가 갱정 궤도를 최적화하고 높은 수율 영역을 보다 정확하게 타겟팅하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 개별 테스트 단계로 인해 작업을 중단하지 않고 역동적으로 영역을 테스트하는 능력은 의사 결정을 개선하고 탐사 불확실성을 줄입니다. 게다가, 이 기술은 지층 손상을 최소화하고 저장층 특성화와 장기 생산 성능을 향상시킵니다. 보다 똑똑하고 비용 효율적인 탐광 기법에 대한 수요 증가는 재래형 및 비재래형 광구 모두에서 UBD 기술에 큰 기회를 제공합니다.
높은 초기 투자 및 운영 비용
저압 시추에 진입하는 것을 막는 주요 장벽 중 하나는 도입에 필요한 많은 자본 지출과 운영비입니다. UBD는 회전 제어 장치(RCD), 압축기, 고급 갱정 제어 시스템과 같은 특수 장비를 필요로 하며, 이로 인해 전체 비용을 높일 수 있습니다. 숙련된 인재와 철저한 시추전 분석의 필요성은 재정적 및 물류적 요구를 더욱 높여줍니다. 중소규모 운영자는 특히 원유 가격 변동이 심한 환경에서 이러한 선행 비용을 정당화하기가 어려울 수 있습니다. 또한 운영 중에 예기치 않은 기술적 문제가 발생하면 비용이 상승하고 예산 조직 및 프로젝트 계획이 더욱 복잡해질 수 있습니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19의 대유행은 저압 시추 시장에 다양한 결과를 가져왔습니다. 소규모로 경제성을 향상시키면서 생산을 최적화하려고 하는 가운데 UBD와 같은 기술에 대한 관심이 높아졌습니다.
예측 기간 중에는 스너빙 유닛 부문이 최대가 될 전망
스너빙 유닛 분야는 드릴 파이프의 탈착시 압력 제어 유지에 중요한 역할을 하기 때문에 예측 기간 중 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 더 많은 운영자들이 저류층과의 접촉을 극대화하기 위해 언더밸런스 기술로 이동함에 따라 신뢰할 수 있는 스너빙 장치에 대한 수요는 계속 증가하고 있습니다.
유전 서비스 회사 부문은 예측 기간 중 가장 높은 CAGR이 예상된다.
예측 기간 동안 유전 서비스 회사 부문은 UBD와 같은 복잡한 드릴링 기술을 개발하고 관리하는 전문 지식을 통해 가장 높은 성장률을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 전문적인 드릴링 서비스의 아웃소싱이 증가하는 동안, 운영자는 언더 밸런스 작업을 관리하는 서비스 제공 업체에 대한 의존도를 높이고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 과제 저류층으로부터의 회수를 강화하기 위해 채용되고 있습니다. 이 지역의 정부의 지원 정책이나 국제적인 서비스 제공업체와의 전략적 파트너십도, 시장 확대의 원동력이 되고 있습니다. 또한, 국영 석유 회사는 굴삭 효율의 향상과 환경 부하의 저감에 점점 힘을 넣게 되고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 셰일 가스와 타이트 오일과 같은 비재래형 자원의 급속한 개발로 북미가 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 지층 손상 등의 문제를 해결하고 성숙한 갱정에서의 생산을 강화하기 위해 UBD를 활용하고 있습니다. 양호한 규제 환경, 확립된 유전 인프라, 지속적인 기술 진보가, 퍼미안이나 버켄 등의 주요 분지에서의 UBD 채용을 가속하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Underbalanced Drilling Market is accounted for $4.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $7.7 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) is an advanced drilling technique in which the pressure in the wellbore is intentionally kept lower than the formation pressure. This creates a differential that allows formation fluids to flow into the wellbore while drilling, reducing the risk of formation damage and improving reservoir productivity. UBD is particularly useful in depleted or sensitive reservoirs where conventional drilling could cause severe wellbore instability or loss of circulation. By minimizing invasion of drilling fluids into the formation, it enhances recovery efficiency and extends the productive life of the well. Specialized equipment and real-time monitoring are essential for safe UBD operations.
According to MMR study, the oil demand is projected to grow by 6.86 Mn barrels a day by 2023. Thus, governments around the world have established attractive investment strategies to increase their refinery capacity that would further push market growth. For example, in 2018, Indian Oil Corporation declared its strategies to invest around USD 24.83 Bn to rise its refinery & drilling capacity, increase its petrochemical production, increase gas business, & extend its drilling procedure.
Increasing global energy demand and depletion of conventional resources
The rising worldwide energy consumption, coupled with the continuous decline of easily accessible conventional oil and gas reserves, is fueling the demand for more advanced drilling techniques such as underbalanced drilling (UBD). As conventional wells become less productive, operators are seeking more efficient methods to extract hydrocarbons from complex and mature reservoirs. UBD enables drilling in environments that would otherwise pose challenges under traditional overbalanced conditions. It minimizes reservoir damage and increases production rates, which is essential in meeting the surging energy requirements. Additionally, the technology supports enhanced recovery in tight formations and reduces formation fluid invasion.
Wellbore instability in certain formations
Despite its advantages, underbalanced drilling faces technical limitations, especially when dealing with unstable formations. Operating in fractured, unconsolidated, or highly permeable zones can lead to wellbore collapse or differential sticking, compromising both safety and efficiency. Managing the delicate balance of pressures in such environments requires specialized expertise and real-time monitoring systems. Furthermore, the complexity involved in maintaining well integrity under reduced pressure conditions limits the widespread adoption of UBD in certain regions. These challenges can lead to increased operational risks and downtime, affecting project timelines and profitability.
Early detection and dynamic testing of productive intervals
UBD offers unique benefits in reservoir evaluation by allowing real-time identification of productive zones while drilling. This immediate feedback helps operators optimize well trajectories and target high-yield areas more accurately. The ability to test zones dynamically, without halting operations for separate testing phases, improves decision-making and reduces exploration uncertainty. Additionally, this technique minimizes formation damage, which enhances reservoir characterization and long-term production performance. The growing demand for smarter, more cost-efficient exploration methods is creating significant opportunities for UBD technology in both conventional and unconventional fields.
High initial investment and operational costs
One of the key barriers to entry for underbalanced drilling is the significant capital and operational expenditure required for deployment. UBD necessitates specialized equipment such as rotating control devices (RCDs), compressors, and advanced well control systems, which add to the overall cost. The need for skilled personnel and thorough pre-drilling analysis further raises financial and logistical demands. Small- and mid-sized operators may find it difficult to justify these upfront expenses, especially in volatile oil price environments. Additionally, unforeseen technical issues during operations can escalate costs, making budgeting and project planning more complex.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic brought mixed consequences for the underbalanced drilling market. Global lockdowns and travel restrictions disrupted supply chains, delayed drilling schedules, and halted several upstream projects. However, the crisis also led to an industry-wide reevaluation of cost structures and operational efficiency. As companies sought to optimize production with minimal reservoir damage and better economics, interest in technologies like UBD increased. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of automation and remote monitoring systems in drilling operations, indirectly benefiting UBD deployment in complex wells. Long-term, these shifts are expected to enhance market resilience and drive technological innovation.
The snubbing units segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The snubbing units segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to their crucial role in maintaining pressure control while inserting or removing drill pipe. These units are widely used in live well operations where killing the well is not viable. Their ability to handle high-pressure differentials and improve operational safety makes them an essential component in UBD setups. As more operators shift towards underbalanced techniques to maximize reservoir contact, the demand for reliable snubbing equipment continues to rise. Additionally, technological advancements have made these units more versatile and cost-efficient.
The oilfield service companies segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the oilfield service companies segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to their expertise in deploying and managing complex drilling technologies like UBD. These companies offer integrated solutions, combining advanced equipment, skilled personnel, and data analytics to optimize drilling outcomes. With increasing outsourcing of specialized drilling services, operators are relying more on service providers to manage underbalanced operations. The segment's growth is also driven by the trend toward digital oilfields and performance-based contracts, which encourage the use of efficient and innovative drilling practices.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. This dominance is attributed to the region's substantial investment in oil and gas exploration, particularly in countries like China, India, and Indonesia. With growing energy demand and the development of new fields in offshore and onshore basins, UBD is being adopted to enhance recovery from challenging reservoirs. The region's supportive government policies and strategic partnerships with international service providers are also driving market expansion. Furthermore, national oil companies are increasingly focusing on improving drilling efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the rapid development of unconventional resources such as shale gas and tight oil. The United States, in particular, has emerged as a leader in adopting innovative drilling technologies to increase production efficiency. Operators in the region are leveraging UBD to address issues like formation damage and to enhance production from mature wells. A favorable regulatory environment, well-established oilfield infrastructure, and continuous technological advancements are accelerating UBD adoption across key basins such as the Permian and Bakken.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Underbalanced Drilling Market include Schlumberger, Petrolor, Halliburton, National Oilwell Varco (NOV), Weatherford International, Archer Limited, Trican Well Service, Superior Energy Services, Baker Hughes, Nabors Industries, AKITA Drilling Ltd., Transocean, Calfrac Well Services, Maersk Drilling, Ensign Energy Services, Odfjell Drilling, Helmerich & Payne and NCS Multistage.
In April 2025, Halliburton and Nabors Industries achieved the first fully automated surface and subsurface execution of rotary and slide drilling operations in Oman. The integration of the companies' digital solutions delivered land-based, closed-loop drilling solutions to improve operational efficiency, consistency, and real-time decision-making capabilities.
In April 2024, Global technology company SLB announced a partnership with Shell to deploy Petrel(TM) subsurface software across its assets worldwide. The adoption of Petrel software is designed to increase digital capabilities and drive operating cost efficiencies. Shell will use Petrel software powered by advanced AI to deliver seismic interpretation workflows.