Tunnel Boring Machine Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product (Combiner HUD, Windshield HUD and Other Products), Machine Fuel Type, Geology Type, Machine Type, Component, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market is accounted for $6,830.9 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $10,897.3 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a massive, cylindrical apparatus used for excavating tunnels in various types of ground. It consists of a rotating cutting head equipped with disc cutters or carbide bits to break apart rock or soil. Behind the cutting head, the machine supports tunnel walls by erecting segments of concrete or steel lining. TBMs can bore through diverse geological formations efficiently, reducing the need for extensive manual labor.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for underground transportation

As urban populations grow and cities become more congested, there is a pressing need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. Their ability to bore through various geological formations, including hard rock and soft soil, makes them indispensable for tunneling projects in urban environments. Furthermore, the expansion and modernization of existing underground transportation networks, as well as the construction of new lines and extensions, contribute to sustained demand for TBMs.

Restraint:

High cost

TBMs are large and complex machines used for excavating tunnels in various infrastructure projects, which can be a barrier to market entry and expansion. Additionally, the transportation and logistics of TBMs to the project site can be expensive due to their enormous size and weight. The training and recruitment of qualified personnel can incur additional costs for project owners and contractors, which significantly impede market expansion.

Opportunity:

Increasing government investments

Governments worldwide are prioritizing infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth, enhance transportation networks, and address urbanization challenges. These machines are essential for excavating tunnels efficiently and safely. Moreover, government initiatives often include public-private partnerships (PPPs) or infrastructure funding programs, which further drive demand for TBMs.

Threat:

Limited expertise

TBMs are complex pieces of equipment that require skilled personnel to operate, monitor, and maintain. However, there is a shortage of professionals with the requisite skills and experience, particularly in regions where tunneling projects are less common or where the technology is relatively new. The training and education programs for TBM operation and maintenance may be insufficient or outdated, further exacerbating the skills gap and making it challenging for new entrants to penetrate the market.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant negative impacts on the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) market worldwide. Travel restrictions and border closures hindered the movement of personnel and materials essential for TBM manufacturing and deployment, contributing to project delays and increased costs. Furthermore, lockdown measures and social distancing protocols imposed to curb the spread of the virus resulted in workforce shortages and reduced productivity, thereby hampering market growth.

The windshield HUD segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The windshield HUD segment is estimated to hold the largest share, due to the integration of augmented reality (AR) displays into TBMs, providing operators with real-time data and visualizations directly on the machine's windshield-like interface. The HUD displays vital information such as tunnel alignment, ground conditions, machine performance metrics, and operational parameters. Moreover, the integration of HUDs fosters better collaboration among project stakeholders by allowing engineers and supervisors, which is boosting this segment.

The shielded TBM segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The windshield HUD segment is estimated to hold the largest share due to the integration of augmented reality (AR) displays into TBMs, providing operators with real-time data and visualizations directly on the machine's windshield-like interface. The HUD displays vital information such as tunnel alignment, ground conditions, machine performance metrics, and operational parameters. Moreover, the integration of HUDs fosters better collaboration among project stakeholders by allowing engineers and supervisors, which is boosting this segment.

Region with largest share:

Europe commanded the largest market share during the extrapolated period, owing to increasing urbanization and environmental concerns. There is a growing demand for underground transportation networks, water supply systems, and utility tunnels. This region is home to some of the major players, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan Tunnel Systems Corporation, and Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works. Furthermore, advancements in technological developments enhance safety, reduce construction time, and optimize costs, further fueling the adoption of TBMs in the region.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is expected to witness highest CAGR over the projection period, owing to its crucial role in meeting these demands by enabling the construction of underground tunnels with minimal disruption to surface activities. Countries including the United States, Canada, and Mexico are investing in ambitious infrastructure projects, such as subway expansions and sewer system upgrades. Additionally, public-private partnerships and government funding initiatives support large-scale infrastructure projects, fostering a conducive environment for TBM deployment.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in the Tunnel Boring Machine Market include The Robbins Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan Tunnel Systems Corporation, Komatsu Ltd., Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works, Herrenknecht AG, SN Mercantile India Pvt. Ltd., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sika AG and IHI Corporation.

Key Developments:

In February 2024, IHI and ST Engineering have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in partnership to support greater adoption of smart and sustainable solutions to build a greener future and help customers achieve sustainability goals.

In December 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. have signed a strategic collaboration agreement targeting low carbon energy supply chains and the advancement of carbon neutral solutions across the energy sector.

In July 2023, IHI Corporation and Fujitsu announced progress in a joint project initiated in FY 2022 to contribute to carbon neutrality and to create an environmental value distribution platform that supports environmental value transactions.

In March 2023, IHI Corporation and Northrop Grumman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at DSEI Japan to work toward developing small, highly maneuverable satellites and other solutions for missions such as Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for Japan.

Products Covered:

• Combiner HUD
• Windshield HUD
• Other Products

Machine Fuel Types Covered:

• Electric
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Other Machine Fuel Types

Geology Types Covered:

• Hard Rock Ground
• Variable Ground
• Soft Ground
• Heterogenous Ground

Machine Types Covered:

• Earth Pressure Balance Shield TBM
• Multi-Mode TBM
• Shielded TBM
• Slurry TBM
• Other Machine Types

Components Covered:

• Projectors
• Video Generators
• Display Units
• Software
• Other Components

End Users Covered:

• Railway Transport
• Utilities
• Metro & Transit
• Mining
• Road Transport
• Oil & Gas
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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