Pipe Laying Vessel Market Size

Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

Pipe-laying vessels are in great demand. In 2025, the global market size for pipe-laying vessels is expected to reach $ 3.27 billion, and is projected to grow to $ 7.22 billion by 2034. CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is expected to be 9.2%. With the increasing demand for offshore oil and gas exploration, and the rising investment in offshore wind power, the demand for pipe-laying vessels is expected to grow. In the face of the continuous pursuit of cost reduction by energy companies, the need for advanced pipe-laying technology and equipment has become more and more urgent. Dynamic positioning, the development of automatic pipe-laying, and the use of artificial intelligence in pipe-laying, will also lead to the rapid development of the market. The leaders in this innovation are Saipem, Subsea 7, and Technip. They have been actively establishing strategic cooperative relationships and making investments to enhance their service capabilities. The competition is mainly reflected in the high efficiency and low cost of the equipment. The future of the industry will be shaped by these strategies.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The market for pipe-laying vessels is growing significantly across the globe, mainly driven by the growing offshore exploration activities for oil and gas, the increasing offshore wind power projects, and the technological advancements in pipe-laying vessels. The regional markets have their own characteristics, influenced by the local regulations, economic conditions, and technological developments. In regions with extensive coastlines and maritime industries, the demand for efficient and specialized vessels is increasing, and the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly crowded with both established and new players.

Europe

• Europe is at the forefront of adopting green technologies, with the European Union's Green Deal pushing for increased investments in offshore renewable energy, thereby boosting demand for specialized pipe laying vessels.
• Key players like Saipem and Van Oord are actively involved in major projects, such as the North Sea Wind Power Hub, which necessitates advanced pipe laying capabilities to support extensive underwater infrastructure.

Asia Pacific

• China's Belt and Road Initiative is significantly impacting the region, leading to increased investments in maritime infrastructure and a growing need for pipe laying vessels to support extensive pipeline projects.
• The rise of offshore oil and gas exploration in countries like India and Vietnam is driving demand for modern vessels, with local companies collaborating with international firms to enhance their capabilities.

Latin America

• Brazil's pre-salt oil reserves are attracting significant investments, leading to a heightened demand for specialized pipe laying vessels to support deepwater drilling operations.
• The region is also seeing increased collaboration between local and international companies, such as Petrobras partnering with TechnipFMC, to enhance technological capabilities in vessel operations.

North America

• The U.S. is witnessing a surge in offshore wind farm projects, with companies like Dominion Energy and Ørsted leading initiatives that require advanced pipe laying vessels for infrastructure development.
• Regulatory changes, such as the Biden administration's focus on renewable energy, are encouraging investments in sustainable maritime technologies, prompting vessel manufacturers to innovate and adapt their fleets.

Middle East And Africa

• The Middle East continues to be a hub for oil and gas activities, with major players like Saudi Aramco investing heavily in offshore projects, thus increasing the demand for advanced pipe laying vessels.
• Regulatory frameworks in the region are evolving, with governments focusing on local content requirements, which is encouraging partnerships between international vessel manufacturers and local firms.

Did You Know?

“Did you know that the world's largest pipe laying vessel, the Solitaire, can lay pipes at depths of up to 3,000 meters and is equipped with advanced dynamic positioning systems?” — Marine Technology News

Segmental Market Size

The Pipe-Laying Vessels segment plays a vital role in the offshore oil and gas industry, mainly in the installation of subsea pipelines. This segment is currently undergoing a period of growth, resulting from the increased demand for energy and the expansion of offshore exploration activities. Among the key factors driving demand are the need for safe and efficient transportation of hydrocarbons, as well as the growing investment in renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind farms. Pipe-Laying Vessels are in the process of being widely deployed, with Saipem and Subsea 7 leading the way in pioneering projects in the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Pipe-Laying Vessels are primarily used in the offshore oil and gas industry and in offshore wind farms. The main trends driving growth in this segment are the sustainable development of energy sources and the drive towards the use of clean energy. The evolution of the segment is being driven by technological advances, such as the introduction of dynamic positioning and the automation of welding procedures, which improve the efficiency and safety of operations.

Future Outlook

The Pipe-Laying Vessels Market is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2034, registering a market value from $3.27 billion to $7.22 billion. The growth is mainly driven by the rising demand for energy facilities, especially offshore oil and gas exploration and offshore wind farms. The need for advanced pipe-laying technology will also increase with the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy. As a result, the investment in specialized vessels will also increase. The technological development of the market is expected to be the most important factor affecting the market. The innovations in automation, improved dynamic positioning and greener design are expected to increase efficiency and reduce the burden on the environment. In addition, regulatory frameworks promoting sustainable practices in marine operations will encourage the use of modern pipe-laying vessels. Consequently, the market is expected to see a shift towards vessels equipped with advanced technology that not only meet regulatory requirements but also reduce the project duration. In general, the combination of rising demand, technological development and favorable policy will create a favourable environment for the market to grow steadily over the next ten years.