Subsea Vessel Operation and Hardware Market

Market Overview

The Global Subsea Vessel Operation and Hardware Market Size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% over the analysis period.

Subsea operations are those that take place below the sea's surface, such as drilling for oil and gas, installing pipelines, and maintaining undersea infrastructure. Subsea vessels are specialized ships that assist these activities, and they are outfitted with cutting-edge technologies and equipment such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), underwater cameras, and sonar systems. Subsea vessels are ships that function at sea for a wide range of objectives, including construction and oil exploration. These vessels are also used to transport supplies to excavation and construction units on the high seas.

Subsea vessel hardware includes equipment used in subsea oil and gas production such as subsea wellheads, flow lines, Umbilicals, risers, and connectors. The subsea vessel operation and hardware market encompasses a wide range of enterprises that offer subsea-related products and services, including as vessel design and construction, equipment manufacturing and supply, and subsea engineering and consultancy.

Factors such as rising energy consumption, the requirement for efficient and cost-effective subsea exploration and production, and developments in subsea technology are driving this market.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Exploration and production of oil and gas offshore are growing

The offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities are directly tied to the need for subsea vessels and equipment. As onshore reserves run out, businesses are shifting their focus to offshore exploration and production, which is increasing demand for subsea equipment and vessels. The majority of the hydrocarbon reserves found in recent years have been offshore, which supports the growing significance of the maritime sector for extraction. Furthermore, technological advancements have helped offshore drilling gain more significance by enabling it to penetrate deeper and ultra-deeper waters.

• Increasing demand for renewable energy sources

Offshore wind power is one renewable energy source that is in high demand globally. Worldwide, the expansion of renewable electricity is rising more quickly than ever, assisting in the development of the new global energy economy. The demand for subsea boats and hardware is being driven by the requirement for subsea vessels and hardware for the installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines and cables.

• Subsea technology advancements

For instance, the use of robotics, sensors, and communication systems has improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of subsea operations. Oil rigs are no longer only found in countries with deserts. Technology development, particularly in the IoT (Internet of Things) space, has completely digitalized the sector. None more so than offshore subsea wells (Within the sea). These are the newest oil extraction hotspots. Because to this, there is an increase in demand for gear and subsea vessels that are outfitted with the newest technologies.

Market Restraints

• Uncertainty in the economy

Oil and gas prices fluctuate on the market because the industry is cyclical. When businesses cut back on exploration and production, there may be less of a demand for subsea vessels and related equipment.

• Technical difficulties

Subsea activities are complicated and call for specific tools and experience. It might be difficult to acquire and retain this knowledge and equipment, which can restrict the market's expansion. The technological difficulties of such projects are continuously growing as these subsea ventures move farther offshore and into deeper waters. There are many different subsea production methods and layouts that are used for deep water developments, all of which vary substantially in complexity.

• Environmental worries

Because of how delicate the undersea environment is, operations may have a big effect on the health of the ocean's organisms. Environmental laws and standards must be followed by businesses, which can raise prices and impede market expansion.

Market Opportunities

• Deep-sea production and exploration are in higher demand

Companies are turning more and more to deep-sea exploration and production as onshore and shallow-water assets run out. Since that operating at depths of up to 3,000 metres requires specialist equipment, this creates a sizable opportunity for the subsea vessel and hardware sector.

• Adoption of autonomous technologies

In the subsea business, autonomous technologies like drones, remotely operated vehicles, and autonomous underwater vehicles are becoming more and more common. These innovations can boost productivity and cut costs, which is advantageous for the market for hardware and subsea vessels.

• Developing markets

The subsea hardware and vessel industry has a lot of potential in developing regions like Asia Pacific and South America. These areas are engaging in offshore exploration and production because they have significant undeveloped offshore oil and gas potential.

Market Scope

Segmental Analysis

Segment by Type

• Subsea Vessel Operation

Subsea vessel operations entail entirely submerged ocean equipment, activities, or applications, particularly when they are located some distance offshore, in deep ocean waters, or on the seabed. Oceanography, marine or ocean engineering, ocean exploration, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), undersea communications or power cables, seabed mineral mining, oil and gas, and offshore wind power are all examples of subsea applications.

• Subsea Vessel Hardware

Subsea vessel hardware refers to the numerous types of equipment, tools, and systems utilized in subsea exploration, production, and maintenance activities. Subsea vessel hardware includes equipment used in subsea oil and gas production such as subsea wellheads, flow lines, Umbilicals, risers, and connectors.

Segment by Application

• Oil and Gas

The operation and hardware of subsea vessels are critical for the oil and gas sector, notably for offshore exploration, production, and maintenance. Besides from sea production and maintenance, it also includes drilling and decommissioning.

• Power

While subsea vessel operation and hardware are typically associated with the oil and gas industry, the same technologies and systems can also be applied to the energy and power sectors. Such instances include the following: Offshore wind turbines and associated infrastructure, as well as marine renewable energy systems such as tidal and wave energy devices, can be installed and repaired using subsea vessels. In addition, they are used for research and development.

Regional Analysis

The Global Subsea Vessel Operation and Hardware Market is segmented by region as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.

Middle-East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa area is likely to see expansion in the subsea vessel operation and hardware market analysis due to the presence of significant offshore oil and gas deposits, as well as major oil producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Iran, Kuwait, and Iraq. Government plans and initiatives, for example, Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman stated that his country is on pace to increase oil production capacity by more than 1 million barrels per day to more than 13 million bpd by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.

North America

Due to the existence of significant oil and gas corporations and offshore drilling activities in the Gulf of Mexico, North America now retains the greatest market share. The two main markets in the area are the US and Canada. As exploration and production activities in the area increase, there will likely be a rise in the demand for subsea vessels and equipment. Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell), a subsidiary of Shell plc, today announced the start of production at PowerNap, a subsea development in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico with a peak production target of 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). PowerNap is connected to the productive Mars Corridor's Olympus production hub, which is run by Shell.

Asia Pacific

A result of the rising offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities in nations like South Korea, China, India, and Japan, the Asia-Pacific market is anticipated to experience significant growth. For instance, China is anticipated to maintain its momentum as Asia's largest offshore wind market into the next decade thanks to an established offshore wind manufacturing sector. Korea will make a stronger push for renewable energy over the following ten years. President Moon Jae-in unveiled the Green New Deal in July 2020, which commits to a 20 percent electricity share for renewables by 2030. The region's rising need for energy is also boosting demand for subsea equipment and ships.

Europe

Europe is the second-largest market for subsea vessel operation and equipment, and Norway, the United Kingdom, and Denmark are the primary market drivers in this region. The main regions for offshore oil and gas exploration and production in Europe are the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. These areas have considerable reserves, which has raised demand for subsea equipment and vessels, which is necessary to support exploration and production activities. Also, to enhance their subsea operations, these nations are investing in cutting-edge technology and innovations, which is further boosting the market's expansion.

Key Players

1. RINA S.p.A.
2. Oceaneering International, Inc.
3. Ocyan
4. Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V.
5. Helix
6. Saipem
7. Vallianz
8. Allseas Group
9. Van Oord
10. Skandi Navica
11. Subsea 7
12. McDermott International
13. Siem Offshore AS
14. Sea Trucks Group

Recent Developments

Feb,2023 Edda Sun Subsea Vessel Operating Joint Venture- Eidesvik Offshore, a Norwegian offshore vessel owner, has formed a joint venture with offshore services provider Reach Subsea to acquire the underwater vessel Edda Sun. The new company will own and run the Edda Sun, with Eidesvik holding the controlling stake. Eidesvik owns 50.1% of the joint venture, while Reach Subsea owns 49.9%.

Feb,2023 DOF Subsea Brasil has agreed to charter its research and survey vessel (RSV) Geoholm in Brazil.- The vessel and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) are expected to assist with a huge undersea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines (SURF) project in Brazil. DOF anticipates that mobilisation will commence in early March 2023, with the contract specifying 180 firm days plus options and a total value of more than $19 million for the firm period.