GCC Shallow Water Decommissioning Market Size, Share, Growth and Global Industry Analysis By Type & Application, Regional Insights and Forecast to 2024-2032
Description
Growth Factors of GCC Shallow Water Decommissioning Market
The GCC shallow water decommissioning market is gaining momentum as the region intensifies its efforts toward responsible energy transitions, environmental stewardship, and optimal resource management. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 681.6 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 728.4 million in 2024 to USD 1,276.9 million by 2032, highlighting the increasing demand for safe and cost-effective offshore asset retirement services.
Key Drivers Fueling Market Growth
The primary drivers accelerating market expansion include the aging offshore infrastructure, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These countries have hosted decades-old oil platforms that now face high operational costs, safety challenges, and diminishing production returns. With many shallow water oilfields nearing or reaching the end of their productive life cycle, operators are turning toward structured decommissioning plans.
In addition to this, regulatory pressure from environmental agencies and national governments in the GCC region is compelling oil and gas companies to adopt responsible decommissioning practices. The establishment of comprehensive decommissioning frameworks and environmental guidelines has further propelled investment in this domain.
Market Trends and Technological Evolution
The market is witnessing a rapid shift toward digitally driven decommissioning, integrating advanced technologies like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), 3D modeling, and data analytics. These technologies not only streamline asset retirement but also help reduce operational costs and environmental hazards.
Furthermore, collaborative decommissioning models are gaining popularity, where multiple operators share infrastructure and services to optimize cost and resource usage. This trend is particularly relevant in fields that have shared pipelines or processing facilities.
Another growing trend is re-purposing decommissioned structures into artificial reefs or marine sanctuaries. This not only mitigates full removal costs but also enhances the ecological value of these offshore assets.
Country-Level Insights
United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads the GCC shallow water decommissioning market, owing to its mature offshore fields and robust regulatory structure. The country has invested significantly in oil and gas lifecycle management, including early-stage planning for decommissioning.
Saudi Arabia follows closely, with major projects underway as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.
Qatar and Kuwait are also key contributors, leveraging their extensive shallow water resources and existing offshore operations to support decommissioning initiatives.
Segmentation Overview
The market can be segmented by service type, including:
Project Management
Engineering
Deconstruction
Waste Management
Well Plugging & Abandonment
Among these, well plugging & abandonment holds a dominant share, accounting for a significant portion of project costs and technical complexity. Companies offering innovative and reliable plugging solutions are witnessing high demand.
Competitive Landscape
The market is moderately fragmented, with both regional and global players competing for contracts. Key companies operating in the GCC shallow water decommissioning market include:
Petrofac
TechnipFMC
Subsea 7
Halliburton
Wood Plc
Allseas Group S.A.
Expro
Saipem
DNV
These players are focused on expanding their regional presence through partnerships, technological integration, and localized service offerings to meet growing regulatory expectations and client demands.
Strategic Outlook
As the GCC transitions toward a more sustainable oil and gas value chain, shallow water decommissioning is emerging as a critical component of upstream lifecycle management. Governments, regulators, and operators are increasingly aligned on ensuring that offshore infrastructure is safely dismantled, with minimal impact on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Over the forecast period, rising environmental concerns, stringent regulations, and declining output from older fields will continue to drive investments in decommissioning projects across the GCC region. The market outlook remains promising, with significant opportunities for service providers, technology innovators, and infrastructure planners.
ATTRIBUTE DETAILS
Study Period 2019-2030
Base Year 2022
Estimated Year 2023
Forecast Period 2023-2030
Historical Period 2019-2021
Growth Rate CAGR of 6.74% from 2023 to 2030
Unit Value (USD Million)
Segmentation By Service, Structure, and Region
Segmentation By Service
Project Management
Engineering and Planning
Well Plugging and Abandonment
Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
Others
By Structure
Topside
Subsea Infrastructure
Substructure
By Region
GCC (By Service, By Structure, and By Country)
UAE (By Service)
Saudi Arabia (By Service)
Qatar (By Service)
Please Note:
It will take 5-6 business days to complete the report upon order confirmation.
The GCC shallow water decommissioning market is gaining momentum as the region intensifies its efforts toward responsible energy transitions, environmental stewardship, and optimal resource management. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 681.6 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 728.4 million in 2024 to USD 1,276.9 million by 2032, highlighting the increasing demand for safe and cost-effective offshore asset retirement services.
Key Drivers Fueling Market Growth
The primary drivers accelerating market expansion include the aging offshore infrastructure, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These countries have hosted decades-old oil platforms that now face high operational costs, safety challenges, and diminishing production returns. With many shallow water oilfields nearing or reaching the end of their productive life cycle, operators are turning toward structured decommissioning plans.
In addition to this, regulatory pressure from environmental agencies and national governments in the GCC region is compelling oil and gas companies to adopt responsible decommissioning practices. The establishment of comprehensive decommissioning frameworks and environmental guidelines has further propelled investment in this domain.
Market Trends and Technological Evolution
The market is witnessing a rapid shift toward digitally driven decommissioning, integrating advanced technologies like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), 3D modeling, and data analytics. These technologies not only streamline asset retirement but also help reduce operational costs and environmental hazards.
Furthermore, collaborative decommissioning models are gaining popularity, where multiple operators share infrastructure and services to optimize cost and resource usage. This trend is particularly relevant in fields that have shared pipelines or processing facilities.
Another growing trend is re-purposing decommissioned structures into artificial reefs or marine sanctuaries. This not only mitigates full removal costs but also enhances the ecological value of these offshore assets.
Country-Level Insights
United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads the GCC shallow water decommissioning market, owing to its mature offshore fields and robust regulatory structure. The country has invested significantly in oil and gas lifecycle management, including early-stage planning for decommissioning.
Saudi Arabia follows closely, with major projects underway as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, emphasizing environmental conservation and sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.
Qatar and Kuwait are also key contributors, leveraging their extensive shallow water resources and existing offshore operations to support decommissioning initiatives.
Segmentation Overview
The market can be segmented by service type, including:
Project Management
Engineering
Deconstruction
Waste Management
Well Plugging & Abandonment
Among these, well plugging & abandonment holds a dominant share, accounting for a significant portion of project costs and technical complexity. Companies offering innovative and reliable plugging solutions are witnessing high demand.
Competitive Landscape
The market is moderately fragmented, with both regional and global players competing for contracts. Key companies operating in the GCC shallow water decommissioning market include:
Petrofac
TechnipFMC
Subsea 7
Halliburton
Wood Plc
Allseas Group S.A.
Expro
Saipem
DNV
These players are focused on expanding their regional presence through partnerships, technological integration, and localized service offerings to meet growing regulatory expectations and client demands.
Strategic Outlook
As the GCC transitions toward a more sustainable oil and gas value chain, shallow water decommissioning is emerging as a critical component of upstream lifecycle management. Governments, regulators, and operators are increasingly aligned on ensuring that offshore infrastructure is safely dismantled, with minimal impact on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Over the forecast period, rising environmental concerns, stringent regulations, and declining output from older fields will continue to drive investments in decommissioning projects across the GCC region. The market outlook remains promising, with significant opportunities for service providers, technology innovators, and infrastructure planners.
ATTRIBUTE DETAILS
Study Period 2019-2030
Base Year 2022
Estimated Year 2023
Forecast Period 2023-2030
Historical Period 2019-2021
Growth Rate CAGR of 6.74% from 2023 to 2030
Unit Value (USD Million)
Segmentation By Service, Structure, and Region
Segmentation By Service
Project Management
Engineering and Planning
Well Plugging and Abandonment
Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
Others
By Structure
Topside
Subsea Infrastructure
Substructure
By Region
GCC (By Service, By Structure, and By Country)
UAE (By Service)
Saudi Arabia (By Service)
Qatar (By Service)
Please Note:
It will take 5-6 business days to complete the report upon order confirmation.
Table of Contents
86 Pages
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions & Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Market Drivers
- 3.2. Market Restraints
- 3.3. Market Opportunities
- 4. Key Insights
- 4.1. Key Emerging Trends – For Major Countries
- 4.2. Latest Technological Advancement
- 4.3. Insight on Regulatory Landscape
- 4.4. Porters Five Forces Analysis
- 4.5. Impact of COVID-19 on the GCC Shallow Water Decommissioning Market
- 5. GCC Shallow Water Decommissioning Market (USD Million) Analysis, Insights, and Forecast, 2019-2030
- 5.1. Key Findings
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Service
- 5.2.1. Project Management
- 5.2.2. Engineering and Planning
- 5.2.3. Well Plugging and Abandonment
- 5.2.4. Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
- 5.2.5. Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
- 5.2.6. Others
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Structure
- 5.3.1. Topside
- 5.3.2. Subsea Infrastructure
- 5.3.3. Substructure
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Country
- 5.4.1. UAE Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Service
- 5.4.1.1. Project Management
- 5.4.1.2. Engineering and Planning
- 5.4.1.3. Well Plugging and Abandonment
- 5.4.1.4. Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
- 5.4.1.5. Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
- 5.4.1.6. Others
- 5.4.2. Qatar Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Service
- 5.4.2.1. Project Management
- 5.4.2.2. Engineering and Planning
- 5.4.2.3. Well Plugging and Abandonment
- 5.4.2.4. Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
- 5.4.2.5. Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
- 5.4.2.6. Others
- 5.4.3. Saudi Arabia Market Analysis, Insights, and Forecast – By Service
- 5.4.3.1. Project Management
- 5.4.3.2. Engineering and Planning
- 5.4.3.3. Well Plugging and Abandonment
- 5.4.3.4. Pipeline and Power Cable Decommissioning
- 5.4.3.5. Materials Disposal and Site Clearance
- 5.4.3.6. Others
- 6. Competitive Analysis
- 6.1. Company Market Share Analysis, 2022
- 6.2. Company Profile
- 6.2.1. MILAHA
- 6.2.1.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.1.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.1.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.1.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.2. Worley
- 6.2.2.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.2.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.2.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.2.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.3. Petrofac
- 6.2.3.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.3.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.3.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.3.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.4. Schlumberger
- 6.2.4.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.4.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.4.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.4.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.5. Baker Hughes
- 6.2.5.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.5.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.5.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.5.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.6. Norwell Engineering
- 6.2.6.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.6.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.6.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.6.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.7. Saipem
- 6.2.7.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.7.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.7.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.7.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.8. DNV
- 6.2.8.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.8.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.8.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.8.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.9. Aries Marines
- 6.2.9.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.9.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.9.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.9.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 6.2.10. Aker Solutions
- 6.2.10.1. Business Overview
- 6.2.10.2. Service & Service Offerings
- 6.2.10.3. Recent Developments
- 6.2.10.4. Financials (Based on Availability)
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