Pipe Laying Vessels Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Installation, By Positioning System, By Depth, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

The Global Pipe Laying Vessels Market was valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% through the forecast period. The market is expanding rapidly, driven by escalating global energy demand, the surge in offshore hydrocarbon exploration, and rising investment in subsea infrastructure. As oil and gas consumption grows, particularly in emerging economies, there is a greater need to efficiently transport resources from offshore reserves to onshore facilities. The shift towards deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration-enabled by technological innovation-further accelerates demand for highly specialized pipe laying vessels. These vessels are crucial in installing underwater pipelines required for connecting remote offshore fields to processing units, playing a vital role in the expanding offshore energy value chain.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 3.4 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 5.7 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	8.8%
Fastest Growing Segment	J-lay Barges
Largest Market	North America

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration Activities

Global energy consumption continues to rise, fueled by industrial expansion and urban population growth, especially in emerging regions. As conventional onshore fields reach maturity, the focus is shifting toward deepwater and ultra-deepwater reserves. Offshore oil and gas exploration is expanding in key regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, the North Sea, and Southeast Asia.

Pipe laying vessels are indispensable to these operations, enabling the installation of subsea pipelines that link offshore wells to onshore processing infrastructure. These vessels are equipped with advanced systems like dynamic positioning and precision-laying technology to operate in challenging underwater terrains. The growing number of offshore projects correlates directly with rising demand for such vessels. Notably, McDermott International secured a major subsea contract for the Kikeh project in Malaysia, while Saipem received recognition for its Integrated Acoustic Unit, a digital innovation enhancing subsea pipeline monitoring.

Key Market Challenges

High Capital and Operational Costs

A major obstacle for the pipe laying vessels market lies in the substantial capital and operational expenditures associated with acquiring, outfitting, and maintaining these vessels. Constructing new pipe laying vessels involves investment in specialized components such as lay towers, tensioners, welding stations, and dynamic positioning systems, often resulting in costs exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars.

Operational expenses, including fuel, labor, insurance, regulatory compliance, and port charges, add further financial strain. For smaller companies, these costs pose a significant entry barrier. Additionally, vessel downtime between contracts can lead to revenue losses, while high charter rates during peak demand periods may deter project bidding. These financial hurdles continue to challenge market participants, especially those lacking access to flexible funding or scale advantages.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements and Vessel Modernization

The market is witnessing a strong trend toward modernization and integration of advanced technologies in pipe laying vessels. With the increasing complexity of offshore projects-due to greater water depths and environmental constraints-there is growing demand for vessels that are faster, safer, and more efficient.

Investments are being directed toward enhanced dynamic positioning systems, especially DP Class 2 and Class 3 configurations, which provide redundancy and precision for deepwater operations. New vessels are being built or retrofitted with automation tools and remote monitoring systems to optimize pipeline installation and reduce human error. As digitalization gains traction in offshore construction, innovations such as AI-assisted route mapping and real-time analytics are becoming standard across modern fleets.

Key Market Players

Allseas Group SA
CIMIC Group Ltd.
Hanwha Corp.
Havila Shipping ASA
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
John Swire and Sons Ltd.
McDermott International Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pipe Laying Vessels Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Pipe Laying Vessels Market, By Installation:

J-lay Barges
S-lay Barges
Reel Barges

Pipe Laying Vessels Market, By Positioning System:

Anchor System
Dynamic Positioning System

Pipe Laying Vessels Market, By Depth:

Shallow Water
Deep Water

Pipe Laying Vessels Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
South America
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Argentina
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Pipe Laying Vessels Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Pipe Laying Vessels Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Installation (J-lay Barges, S-lay Barges, Reel Barges)
- 5.2.2. By Positioning System (Anchor System, Dynamic Positioning System)
- 5.2.3. By Depth (Shallow Water, Deep Water)
- 5.2.4. By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific)
5.3. By Company (2024)
5.4. Market Map

6. North America Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Installation
- 6.2.2. By Positioning System
- 6.2.3. By Depth
- 6.2.4. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Installation
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Depth
- 6.3.2. Canada Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Installation
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Depth
- 6.3.3. Mexico Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Installation
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Depth

7. Europe Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Installation
- 7.2.2. By Positioning System
- 7.2.3. By Depth
- 7.2.4. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Installation
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Depth
- 7.3.2. France Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Installation
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Depth
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Installation
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Depth
- 7.3.4. Italy Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Installation
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Depth
- 7.3.5. Spain Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Installation
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Depth

8. Asia Pacific Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Installation
- 8.2.2. By Positioning System
- 8.2.3. By Depth
- 8.2.4. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Installation
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Depth
- 8.3.2. India Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Installation
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Depth
- 8.3.3. Japan Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Installation
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Depth
- 8.3.4. South Korea Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Installation
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Depth
- 8.3.5. Australia Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Installation
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Depth

9. Middle East & Africa Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Installation
- 9.2.2. By Positioning System
- 9.2.3. By Depth
- 9.2.4. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Installation
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Depth
- 9.3.2. UAE Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Installation
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Depth
- 9.3.3. South Africa Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Installation
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Depth

10. South America Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Installation
- 10.2.2. By Positioning System
- 10.2.3. By Depth
- 10.2.4. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Installation
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Depth
- 10.3.2. Colombia Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Installation
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Depth
- 10.3.3. Argentina Pipe Laying Vessels Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Installation
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Positioning System
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Depth

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends and Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Company Profiles

13.1. Allseas Group SA
- 13.1.1. Business Overview
- 13.1.2. Key Revenue and Financials
- 13.1.3. Recent Developments
- 13.1.4. Key Personnel
- 13.1.5. Key Product/Services Offered
13.2. CIMIC Group Ltd.
13.3. Hanwha Corp.
13.4. Havila Shipping ASA
13.5. Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.
13.6. Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
13.7. John Swire and Sons Ltd.
13.8. McDermott International Ltd.