Drilling Fluids Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2032

Drilling Fluids Market Research Report Information By Type (Water-Based, Oil-Based and Synthetic-Based), By Application (Onshore and Offshore) And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) – Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast To 2032

ID: MRFR/E&P/2943-CR | 109 Pages | Author: Priya Nagrale | October 2020         

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Global Drilling Fluids Market Overview:


Drilling Fluids Market Size was valued at USD 7.5 Billion in 2022. The Drilling Fluids market industry is projected to grow from USD 8.06 Billion in 2023 to USD 14.37 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.50% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Increasing demand for modern renewal, clean energy generation, and investment in various oil exploration activities are the key market drivers incorporating the market growth.


Drilling Fluids Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Drilling Fluids Market Trends




  • Increasing focus on environmental stability is driving the market growth




The rising focus on environmental stability drives market CAGR for drilling fluids. The drilling process can have a significant impact on the environment. The use of drilling fluids can lead to the contamination of soil and water, which can have severe consequences for the local ecosystem. As a result, the drilling industry has an increasing focus on environmental sustainability. One trend emerging in the drilling fluids market is the development of eco-friendly drilling fluids. These fluids are designed to minimize the environmental impact of the drilling process. They are made from environment-friendly materials and have lower toxicity levels than traditional drilling fluids. Several factors, including regulatory pressure, consumer demand, and corporate responsibility, drive the development of eco-friendly drilling fluids. Governments worldwide are introducing regulations to reduce the environmental impact of drilling activities.


One of the major drivers of the rising demand for high-performance drilling fluids is the increasing depth of oil and gas wells. As wells become deeper, the pressure and temperature inside the well increase, which can lead to drilling challenges. High-performance drilling fluids are designed to withstand these challenges and provide better control over the drilling process. Another factor driving the demand for high-performance drilling fluids is the increasing use of horizontal drilling. Horizontal drilling is a technique that involves drilling a well at an angle to the vertical. This technique allows for the extraction of oil and gas from areas that were previously inaccessible. However, it also poses significant drilling challenges, which can be addressed with high-performance drilling fluids.


The oil and gas industry is the primary end-users of drilling fluids. The demand for these fluids is directly linked to the exploration and production activities in the industry. The recent restoration in oil prices has led to a rise in exploration and production activities, which is proposed to drive the growth of the drilling fluids market. The growing demand for energy is also driving the exploration and production activities. As the population grows, the energy demand is expected to increase significantly. The energy demand is predicted to increase in 2021, further boosting the demand for drilling fluids. For instance, the drilling fluids market will grow in the coming years, driven by increased exploration and production activities, a focus on environmental sustainability, and the demand for high-performance drilling fluids. Developing eco-friendly drilling fluids is a positive trend that can help erase the environmental impact of the drilling process. The increasing complexity of drilling operations will continue to drive the Drilling Fluids market revenue.


Drilling Fluids Market Segment Insights:


Drilling Fluids Type Insights


The Drilling Fluids market segmentation, based on type, includes water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based. The water-based segment dominated the market. They are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and perform well in various drilling conditions. These fluids are primarily composed of water, clays, and various additives to enhance their performance and stability.


Drilling Fluids Application Insights


The Drilling Fluids market segmentation, based on application, includes onshore and offshore. The onshore category generated the most income. It involves various types of wells, including conventional oil and gas wells, shale gas wells, and coal bed methane wells. The demand for drilling fluids in onshore applications is driven by increasing exploration and production activities, particularly in emerging economies with untapped hydrocarbon reserves.


Figure 1: Drilling Fluids Market, by Application, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)


Drilling Fluids Market, by Application, 2022 & 2032


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Drilling Fluids Regional Insights


By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American Drilling Fluids market area will dominate this market, owing to the presence of significant shale gas and tight oil reserves has stimulated drilling activities, leading to a high demand for drilling fluids. Technological advancements, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have also boosted the market growth.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: Drilling Fluids Market Share By Region 2022 (Usd Billion)


Drilling Fluids Market Share By Region 2022


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Drilling Fluids market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the offshore drilling activities in the Northern Sea and the discovery of new oil and gas fields that have bolstered the demand for drilling fluids. Further, the German Drilling Fluids market held the largest market share, and the UK Drilling Fluids market was the rapid-growing market in the European region.


The Asia-Pacific Drilling Fluids Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. It is due to its emerging economies, expanding oil and gas industry, and increasing energy demand. Moreover, China’s Drilling Fluids market held the largest market share, and the Indian Drilling Fluids market was the significant growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Drilling Fluids Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Drilling Fluids market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to spread their footprint, with several market developments, including product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Drilling Fluids industry must offer cost-effective items.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the Drilling Fluids industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Drilling Fluids industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the Drilling Fluids market, including Halliburton (US), Schlumberger (US), Newpark Resources Inc. (US), Stellar Drilling Fluids LLC (US), Weatherford International plc. (US), China oilfield services Ltd. (China), M-I Swaco (US), AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands), National Oilwell Varco (US), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), DuPont (US), The Dow Chemical Company (US), Scomi Group (Malaysia), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


Schlumberger Limited, also known as SLB, founded in 1926, and located in Houston, Texas, United States, is an oilfield services company. It is the world's largest offshore drilling company and the world’s largest offshore drilling contractor by revenue. It is also incorporated in Willemstad, Curacao. In February 2022, Noble Energy awarded Schlumberger Limited an engineering and supply contract for a 2000-ton-single-lift process module to be established on the Leviathan Platform in the Eastern Mediterranean. The scope of the contract includes a pretreatment, salt removal, and regeneration of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) for reinjection in subsea flow lines for hydrate inhibition.


Clariant AG International Ltd., founded in 1995, and located in Muttenz, Switzerland, is a Swiss multinational chemicals company that conducts its business through 3 business units: care chemicals, catalysts, adsorbents, and additives. In May 2020, Clariant International Ltd released BaraShale Lite Fluid System, a high-performance water-based fluid that maintains full salt saturation with reduced density. It helps prevent loss of circulation; and minimizes waste disposal costs. The newly launched fluid enables operators to overcome these challenges using a proprietary additive that tightly combines the base fluid, which consists of brine, to prevent salt washout and oil from lightening the mud weight.


Key Companies in the Drilling Fluids market include



  • Halliburton (US)

  • Schlumberger (US)

  • Newpark Resources Inc. (US)

  • Stellar Drilling Fluids LLC (US)

  • Weatherford International plc. (US)

  • China oilfield services Ltd. (China)

  • M-I Swaco (US)

  • AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands)

  • National Oilwell Varco (US)

  • Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (US)

  • BASF SE (Germany)

  • DuPont (US)

  • The Dow Chemical Company (US)

  • Scomi Group (Malaysia)


Drilling Fluids Industry Developments


February 2021: National Oilwell Varco (NOV) propounded a falcon reamer for drilling operations in various regions. NOV streamlined design of falcon reamer delivers high quality great operational efficiency and provides high-quality wellbores


March 2019: Newpark Resources Inc. introduced its new stimulation and completion fluid Kronos at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). Kronos is a synthetic-based invert emulsion system designed to adhere to the environmental requirements for non-aqueous fluids for use in deepwater drilling applications. Kronos offers thermal stability and excellent environmental performance.


March 2018:Tetra Technologies ended the divestiture of its heavy offshore lift, deactivating, cutting, dipping, and other consulting services, together with Maritech operations and offshore leases. TETRA will focus on raising its profitability in fluids, production testing, and squeezing to support the company's growth and capabilities in technology-enabled services.


Drilling Fluids Market Segmentation:


Drilling Fluids Type Outlook



  • Water-Based

  • Oil-Based

  • Synthetic-Based


Drilling Fluids Application Outlook



  • Onshore

  • Offshore


Drilling Fluids Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada



  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe



  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific



  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



Report Scope:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size 2022 USD 7.5 Billion
Market Size 2023 USD 8.06 Billion
Market Size 2032 USD 14.37 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.50% (2023-2032)
Base Year 2022
Market Forecast Period 2023-2032
Historical Data 2018- 2022
Market Forecast Units Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered Type, Application, and Region
Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World
Countries Covered The US, Canada, German, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Key Companies Profiled  Halliburton (US), Schlumberger (US), Newpark Resources Inc. (US), Stellar Drilling Fluids LLC (US), Weatherford International plc. (US), China oilfield services Ltd. (China), M-I Swaco (US), AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands), National Oilwell Varco (US), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), DuPont (US), The Dow Chemical Company (US), and Scomi Group (Malaysia).
Key Market Opportunities The increasing belief in the Market Analysis supporting several industries
Key Market Dynamics Growing investment in various oil exploration activities expanding the market.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The Drilling Fluids market size was valued at USD 7.5 Billion in 2022.

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% during the forecast period, 2023-2032.

North America held the largest share of the market

The key players in the market are Halliburton (US), Schlumberger (US), Newpark Resources Inc. (US), Stellar Drilling Fluids LLC (US), and Weatherford International plc. (US), China oilfield services Ltd. (China), M-I Swaco (US), AkzoNobel N.V. (Netherlands), National Oilwell Varco (US), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), DuPont (US), The Dow Chemical Company (US), and Scomi Group (Malaysia).

The water-based category dominated the market in 2022.

Key Questions Answered

  • Global Market Outlook
  • In-depth analysis of global and regional trends
  • Analyze and identify the major players in the market, their market share, key developments, etc.
  • To understand the capability of the major players based on products offered, financials, and strategies.
  • Identify disrupting products, companies, and trends.
  • To identify opportunities in the market.
  • Analyze the key challenges in the market.
  • Analyze the regional penetration of players, products, and services in the market.
  • Comparison of major players’ financial performance.
  • Evaluate strategies adopted by major players.
  • Recommendations
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