Global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine Market Growth 2025-2031

The global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market size is predicted to grow from US$ 588 million in 2025 to US$ 922 million in 2031; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2031.

Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (Micro-TBM) is a specialized mechanized excavation device designed for the construction of small-diameter tunnels, typically ranging from 0.6 to 4 meters in diameter. These machines are commonly used in urban infrastructure projects, such as sewerage systems, water pipelines, utility conduits, and telecommunications networks, where minimal surface disruption is required. Micro-TBMs utilize advanced guidance and control systems to ensure precise tunneling along predefined paths, often operating within congested urban environments or geologically challenging conditions. Depending on soil and rock conditions, Micro-TBMs can be categorized into slurry, earth pressure balance (EPB), and open-face shield types, each tailored to specific ground conditions. Their automated excavation, soil management, and segmental lining capabilities enable efficient, safe, and cost-effective underground construction while minimizing environmental impact.

The global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (Micro-TBM) market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for underground infrastructure projects across urban areas. These machines are crucial for constructing underground pipelines, sewage systems, and utility tunnels with minimal surface disruption. The market is led by key manufacturers such as Herrenknecht, CRHIC, CRCHI, Akkerman, Northern Heavy Industries Group, Terratec, Liaoning Censcience Industry, and mts Microtunneling Systems GmbH, with Herrenknecht holding over 20% of the market share. Geographically, China dominates production, accounting for nearly 40% of total output, followed by Europe with around 30%. This concentration highlights the strong manufacturing capabilities of these regions, particularly in large-scale infrastructure development.

In terms of product segmentation, the most widely used type is the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine, which holds over 40% of the market share. Other commonly used variants include Slurry Shield (SS), Pilot Tube Microtunneling (PTMT), Auger Boring, and Vacuum Extraction TBMs, each suited for different soil and geotechnical conditions. EPB machines are preferred for their ability to maintain stability in soft ground conditions, making them ideal for urban tunneling projects. Slurry Shield machines, on the other hand, are often used in high-water-content soils, ensuring efficiency and safety in more challenging excavation environments. The demand for specialized TBMs is growing as urban development projects require more precise and efficient tunneling solutions.

Looking at applications, the urban rail system segment is the largest, accounting for more than 50% of the market share. As cities expand and transportation networks evolve, underground rail construction is becoming essential to reduce congestion and improve connectivity. Governments worldwide are increasing investments in metro and subway systems, further fueling the demand for Micro-TBMs. Additionally, other applications such as water supply, wastewater management, oil & gas pipelines, and underground utility corridors are also contributing to market expansion. The demand for sustainable and efficient underground infrastructure solutions is expected to drive continuous innovation in TBM technology, leading to improved automation, better control systems, and enhanced safety measures.

LP Information, Inc. (LPI) ' newest research report, the “Micro Tunnel Boring Machine Industry Forecast” looks at past sales and reviews total world Micro Tunnel Boring Machine sales in 2024, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Micro Tunnel Boring Machine sales for 2025 through 2031. With Micro Tunnel Boring Machine sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Micro Tunnel Boring Machine industry.

This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyzes the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Micro Tunnel Boring Machine portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms’ unique position in an accelerating global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Micro Tunnel Boring Machine and breaks down the forecast by Type, by Application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.

Segmentation by Type:
Earth Pressure Balance Machines
Slurry Shield (SS)
Pilot Tube Microtunneling (PTMT)
Auger Boring
Vacuum Extraction TBM
Others

Segmentation by Application:
Urban Rail System
Rail and Road
Municipal Engineering
Others

This report also splits the market by region:
Americas
United States
Canada
Mexico
Brazil
APAC
China
Japan
Korea
Southeast Asia
India
Australia
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Russia
Middle East & Africa
Egypt
South Africa
Israel
Turkey
GCC Countries

The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analysing the company's coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.
Herrenknecht
CRHIC
CRCHI
Akkerman
Northeren Heavy Industries Group
Terratec
Liaoning Censcience Industry
mts Microtunneling Systems GmbH
Pezzimenti Tunnelbore

Key Questions Addressed in this Report

What is the 10-year outlook for the global Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market?

What factors are driving Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market growth, globally and by region?

Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?

How do Micro Tunnel Boring Machine market opportunities vary by end market size?

How does Micro Tunnel Boring Machine break out by Type, by Application?

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