Global Pipe Laying Vessel Market Assessment, By Pipelaying System Type [Flex-Lay, Reel-Lay, S-Lay, J-Lay, Multi-Lay], By Depth [Shallow Water, Deep Water], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global pipe laying vessel market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.56% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 2.81 billion in 2024 to USD 4.33 billion in 2032. The global pipe laying vessel market has experienced significant growth in recent years due to escalating energy demands, and the depletion of onshore oil and gas reserves is expected to maintain a strong pace of expansion in the coming years. Pipe laying vessel helps to link offshore fields with onshore processing plants efficiently which drives its demand in the market. The pipe laying vessel is equipped with innovative navigation technology and an automated pipe handling system which helps in the efficient and safe operation, thus driving its demand in the market. The future technological developments in laying pipe methods have improved the operational efficiency and increased the potential for contemporary vessels, which makes pipe laying vessels appropriate for more complex and demanding conditions.

Furthermore, the energy companies are investing more and more in offshore production and exploration, and these projects require a sophisticated pipe laying vessel to be employed, therefore driving the demand for pipe laying vessels in the market. The rising investment in deepwater and ultra-deepwater projects is broadening the application of pipe-laying vessels, which boosts its demand in the market. Several offshore projects are coming in both developed and developing countries which drive the demand for pipe laying vessel in the market.

For instance, as of 2024, around 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent (bboe) of oil and gas resources were announced in new offshore discoveries, nearly 4 bboe of reserves were sanctioned for development offshore, and more than 6 bboe began to be tapped as offshore projects started up. This development highlights the rising offshore projects which will drive the demand for pipe laying vessels in the market.

Expansion of Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Amplifying Market Demand

Globally, the demand for oil products is increasing, which is increasingly turning oil and gas companies to explore the offshore reserves. Companies are exploring the deepwater and ultra-deepwater fields to secure future supplies of oil in the market. Developed and developing regions are involved in discoveries and making significant investments for the development of large-scale offshore fields which leads to the deployment of pipelines on the sea surface. Additionally, advancements in ultra-deepwater and deepwater drilling technologies have rendered hitherto untappable reserves economical, thereby prompting the major oil firms to invest more capital in offshore operations, leading to demand for pipe laying vessels in the market.

For instance, May 2025, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. agreed to work with Exxon Mobil Corporation to boost capacity at the offshore Upper Zakum field. The company is looking to invest around USD 150 billion which is primarily focused on raising crude production capacity and making the country self-sufficient in natural gas. This development highlights that oil companies are investing in the offshore oil extraction projects, which drive the demand for the deployment of sufficient pipe laying vessels for the operations.

Oil and gas operators are investing in deploying long subsea pipelines and umbilicals to link offshore production hubs with onshore terminals and processing plants directly and this increases demand for specialized pipe laying vessels. Oil companies are investing in complicated extraction ventures, which demand sophisticated vessels with dynamic positioning and heavy-lift capabilities, thereby increasing the market demand for the pipe laying vessel market in the projected period.

Rising Investment in Infrastructure Upgrades and Maintenance Creating Market Opportunities

Globally, the energy demand continues to climb which leading to the expansion of offshore oil and gas production. Oil companies are adopting modern equipment and maintaining extensive subsea pipeline networks for the proper transport of crude oil, natural gas, and refined products from offshore fields to onshore facilities. Large oil producers are further expected to accelerate investments in energy security pipe infrastructure, deepwater exploration projects, and renewable energy integration, which accelerate the pipe laying vessel market growth in the coming years.

Moreover, major areas like the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia-Pacific are accelerating offshore production and infrastructure developments that necessitate sophisticated and productive pipe laying vessels capable of supporting enhanced improved oil recovery systems, and subsea tiebacks and withstand harsh environments. Also, the shift towards renewable energy and increasing LNG trade are fueling demand for new subsea infrastructure, continuously increasing demand for pipe laying vessels in the market. Further, the maintenance and upgrade of the aging pipeline infrastructure continue to create a market opportunity for the pipe laying vessel market.

For instance, in May 2025, Chet Morrison Contractors, LLC announced the successful completion of the first pipeline installation in the Gulf of America for the 2025 season. The installation of Morrison’s 265′ x 72′ pipelay barge was executed. The 8” oil pipeline was installed for Crescent Midstream off the coast of Louisiana in 425 feet of water.

S-Lay Pipe Laying System Type Dominates the Global Market

S-lay pipe laying system dominates the market due to its versatility and high productivity in the operation. The S-lay system is particularly suitable for installing pipelines in shallow to medium water depths. S-lay system is able to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters from small to large-diameter trunklines which makes the system ideal for both oil and gas transmission and major infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the system is adaptable to deeper waters with appropriate vessel and stinger configurations which drive its adoption in the market.

Moreover, S-lay system assists in maintaining efficient assembly and stringent quality control before the pipeline is gradually lowered to the seabed in an S-shaped curve thus lowering the risk associated with the process. The S-lay system is combined with advanced automation and control interfaces which further enhance operational safety and reduce manpower requirements. The above-mentioned advantages make the S-lay system the preferred choice for several offshore pipeline projects, driving its dominant position in the global market.

North America Region Dominates the Global Pipe Laying Vessel Market

The region is experiencing the growing offshore and deepwater exploration projects and expanding energy infrastructure needs which drive the demand for pipe laying vessels in the North America market. The expansion of the United States and Canadian oil and gas industry further adds to the demand for new and expanded pipeline infrastructure, as vast natural gas reserves are being tapped ever more heavily for domestic consumption and export, thereby making the region dominate the market. Besides, the area is expected to increase the offshore oil and gas pipelines during the forecast period to accommodate the numerous forthcoming projects like Canyon gathering system and Sparta pipeline which is generating the market opportunity for the pipe laying vessel market.

Additionally, government support through investments, subsidies, and regulatory incentives is fostering a favourable environment for pipeline development in the region. Furthermore, the push to modernize aging infrastructure and accommodate new energy sources, including LNG which contributes to heightened demand for specialized pipe laying vessels in the market. Several oil companies in the region are investing in new pipeline platform to increase production from offshore.

For instance, in February 2025, Shell Offshore Inc. and Shell Pipeline Company (SPLC), subsidiaries of Shell plc (Shell), have signed an agreement to increase stake in the Ursa platform in the Gulf of America. This development will increase the company working interest (WI) in its operated Ursa platform, pipeline, and associated fields from 45.38% to a maximum of 61.35% which will increase the oil production in the region.

Impact of the United States Tariffs on Global Pipe Laying Vessel Market

• Tariffs on steel, aluminium, and imported material have driven up the cost of critical materials and equipment which are used in the manufacturing of the pipe laying vessels.
• Tariffs and new port fees have disrupted established global supply chains which is leading to project delays, procurement challenges, and increased volatility in vessel availability.
• To offset tariff impacts, companies are localizing supply chains, investing in domestic shipbuilding, and seeking alternative sourcing strategies.
• The tariffs have introduced greater uncertainty to the global market, with risks of retaliatory duties from affected countries (such as China and Canada) which could further impact the United States market.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

To increase market share in the global pipe laying vessel market, key players are investing heavily in technological innovation, integrating advanced systems to enhance efficiency and safety of the vessel. Companies are expanding their fleets with vessels capable of operating in deep and ultra-deep waters to meet growing offshore exploration demands in different countries. Players are looking to enter into strategic collaborations, long-term contracts with oil and gas companies to further strengthen their competitive positions. Agreements, business expansions, collaborations, and developing technologies are projected to increase competition in the fast-paced market.

For instance, in May 2024, Sapura Energy Berhad has decided to enter into a joint venture with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) for the provision of subsea services and six pipe-laying support vessels (PLSVs) worth USD 1.8 billion in contracts. This development highlights company are entering in a strategic move to increase the market share and revenue in the coming years.