Growth Factors of drilling services Market
The global drilling services market is projected to witness substantial growth due to rising global energy consumption, expanding infrastructure, and increased exploration and production activities across oil, gas, and mining sectors. Drilling services encompass specialized processes for creating holes in the earth or other materials for resource extraction, construction, and scientific research. These services include drilling fluids, cementing, well construction, drill bits, and integrated solutions for efficient hydrocarbon and mineral recovery.
Market Size and Forecast
The global drilling services market was valued at USD 17.82 billion in 2025, expected to grow to USD 19.25 billion in 2026, and projected to reach USD 31.65 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.41% over the forecast period. North America led the market in 2025 with a share of 26.48%, driven by abundant shale reserves, technological advancements, and well-established drilling infrastructure. Major players include Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Weatherford International, Nabors Industries, Petrofac, TechnipFMC, China Oilfield Services Limited, Epiroc, Patterson UTI, and Valaris.
Market Dynamics
Market Drivers:
1. Rising Energy Demand: Growing industrialization and infrastructure development have spurred energy consumption, particularly in emerging economies. According to the IEA Oil Market Report, global oil demand is expected to grow by 1.1 mb/d in 2025, led by China and other Asia Pacific countries.
2. New Hydrocarbon Discoveries: Investment in exploration of new oil and gas fields and the drilling of wildcat wells generate demand for specialized drilling services. For example, Odfjell Drilling obtained a 15-well contract in the North Sea in 2020, reflecting ongoing expansion in offshore operations.
Market Restraints:
Increasing adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, may limit growth. Policy initiatives like REPowerEU, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and China's 14th Five-Year Plan encourage low-carbon energy, reducing dependence on traditional drilling operations.
Market Opportunities:
New contracts for mining and hydrocarbon exploration offer growth opportunities. In August 2020, Swick Mining Services secured long-term drilling contracts in Australia and Spain, highlighting the expanding role of drilling services beyond oil and gas.
Market Challenges:
Volatile oil and gas prices affect investment and operational budgets for drilling services. Historical price drops, such as those during 2014-2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, resulted in reduced drilling operations and constrained market growth.
Market Trends
- Launch of Advanced Tools and Services: Companies continuously invest in R&D to enhance efficiency and productivity. For instance, in October 2024, Halliburton launched its iCruise Force intelligent Rotary Steerable System (RSS) paired with the LOGIX automation platform, optimizing wellbore positioning and drilling performance.
- Integration of Digital and Automation Technologies: Modern drilling solutions incorporate real-time downhole monitoring, automated drilling, and enhanced safety systems, increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic negatively affected drilling services by reducing demand for hydrocarbons and disrupting mining operations. Value chain disruptions, declining energy demand, and international crude oil price volatility further constrained market growth. The IEA estimated a 9.3 mbpd decline in global crude oil demand in 2020, impacting drilling service activities worldwide.
Market Segmentation
By Service:
- Directional drilling services dominate due to complex wells in unconventional formations, holding 77.82% market share in 2026. Sub-segments include Logging While Drilling (LWD), Measurement While Drilling (MWD), Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS), and mud motors.
- Non-directional drilling services grow steadily at a CAGR of 7.73% (2025-2032), supporting conventional wells and aging fields.
By Application:
- Onshore drilling dominates with 69.49% market share in 2026, benefiting from lower costs and accessible reserves.
- Offshore drilling, including shallow, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater segments, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.65%, driven by technological innovations and untapped hydrocarbon reserves.
By End-User:
- Oil & gas dominates with 62.23% market share in 2026, due to investments in new reserves and production targets.
- Mining and water exploration are expected to grow, fueled by resource demand and groundwater projects.
Regional Outlook
North America:
- Market valued at USD 4.72 billion in 2025, growing to USD 5.16 billion in 2026, with the U.S. at USD 4.02 billion in 2026, driven by shale gas production and technological advancements.
Asia Pacific:
- Market projected at USD 4.89 billion in 2026, with China at USD 2.61 billion, fueled by increasing energy demand, coal reserves, and local drilling infrastructure development.
Europe:
- Market set to reach USD 2.60 billion in 2026, with Norway at USD 0.50 billion, Russia USD 1.23 billion, and the U.K. USD 0.23 billion, supported by offshore and geothermal projects.
Middle East & Africa:
- Saudi Arabia projected at USD 0.78 billion in 2025, driven by offshore exploration and new hydrocarbon discoveries.
Latin America:
- Expected market USD 2.56 billion in 2026, led by Brazil's pre-salt offshore fields and increasing E&P activity.
Competitive Landscape
The market is highly competitive, with global players like Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Weatherford, Nabors Industries, TechnipFMC, and China Oilfield Services Limited dominating due to extensive portfolios, technological innovation, and global presence. Smaller regional players also compete through specialized services, local expertise, and cost-effective solutions. Key developments include:
- March 2025: Halliburton and Sekal AS launched the first automated on-bottom drilling system in Norway.
- March 2025: Schlumberger introduced EWC electric well control technologies, enhancing safety and reducing costs.
- January 2025: Halliburton contracted by Petrobras for offshore drilling in Brazil, providing iCruise RSS and LOGIX automation platform.
Conclusion
The global drilling services market is projected to grow from USD 17.82 billion in 2025 to USD 31.65 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.41%, driven by rising energy demand, technological advancements, and increasing E&P investments. North America leads the market, followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. Despite challenges from price volatility and renewable energy adoption, innovation in drilling technologies, offshore exploration, and strategic investments will sustain market growth. Drilling services remain essential for energy security, hydrocarbon production, and resource exploration globally.
Segmentation By Service, Application, End-User, and Region
Segmentation By Service
- Directional Drilling
- Logging While Drilling (LWD)
- Measurement While Drilling (MWD)
- Rotary Steerable System (RSS)
- Mud Motors
- Others
- Non-Directional Drilling
By Application
- Onshore
- Offshore
- Shallow Water
- Deepwater
- Ultra-Deepwater
By End-User
- Oil & Gas
- Mining
- Water Exploration
- Others
By Region
- North America (By Service, Application, End-User, and Country)
- U.S. (By Application)
- Canada (By Location)
- Europe (By Service, Application, End-User, and Country)
- U.K. (By Application)
- Germany (By Application)
- Norway (By Application)
- Italy (By Application)
- Russia (By Application)
- Rest of Europe (By Application)
- Asia Pacific (By Service, Application, End-User, and Country)
- China (By Application)
- India (By Application)
- Indonesia (By Application)
- Thailand (By Application)
- Australia (By Application)
- Rest of Asia Pacific (By Application)
- Latin America (By Service, Application, End-User, and Country)
- Brazil (By Application)
- Mexico (By Application)
- Argentina (By Application)
- Venezuela (By Application)
- Rest of Latin America (By Application)
- Middle East & Africa (By Service, Application, End-User, and Country)
- Saudi Arabia (By Application)
- UAE (By Application)
- Qatar (By Application)
- Kuwait (By Application)
- Oman (By Application)
- Algeria (By Application)
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa (By Application)