Flap Rudder Market Analysis

Flap Rudder Market Analysis

Composite material segment is projected to witness around a 4.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2027. The use of composite materials for manufacturing rudder flaps is rising on account of their versatile operational characteristics. They offer significant weight-savings, thereby enabling easier handling during transport and assembly. Additionally, the implementation of composite materials can significantly minimize raw material waste. They aid in the manufacturing of hull surfaces with improved propulsion characteristics including high lift and low drag.

Rudder flaps made of composite materials are ideal for lightweight structures. Becker Marine Systems, one of the leading players, introduced composite flaps in its various rudders. Lightweighting characteristics and the ability to achieve low carbon footprints will augment the usage of composites within flap rudders in the future.

The linefit segment captured more than 80% of the flap rudder market share in 2020. The selection of suitable rudders during ship designing and development depends on various factors including ship type, maneuvering parameters, load-bearing capacities, etc. Flap rudders are preferred for ships with requirements for easy maneuvering and fuel-savings. The key criteria for flap-linkage ratio and flap-area ratio must be met to achieve optimum operational efficiency. Significant variations in flap-linkage ratio and flap-area ratio can lead to the shifting of the pressure center and reduction in rudder efficiency. Moreover, the distance between the trailing edge of the skeg and the leading edge of the flap must be properly maintained to enhance the rudder’s hydrodynamic characteristics.
 

The oil & gas carriers is predicted to capture over 25% market share by 2027. The rising transportation demand for crude oil and petroleum flap materials will bolster the maritime trade through oil tankers. Gas carriers witnessed significant growth over the past few years. Rising oil & gas exploration activities will support the flap rudder market expansion. Oil & gas transportation by sea is likely to experience a strong growth trajectory due to cost efficiency, large capacity utilization, and flexible waterways.
 

In 2020, Asia Pacific flap rudder market generated around USD 120 million revenue led by rising seaborne trades among developing economies. The countries are key maritime trade centers contributing to a significant portion of the global seaborne trade.
 

Asia Pacific accounts for more than 50% of the global maritime trade volume. In 2019, Asian seaports held over 60% of the unloading of goods and more than 40% of the loading of goods. Asian seaports handled unloading of 6.9 billion tons of goods and loading of 4.5 billion tons of goods for the same year. Asia Pacific holds a dominating position in the shipbuilding sector. China, Japan, and South Korea collectively captured 80% of the global shipbuilding activities. Favorable trends associated with seaborne trade coupled with infrastructural availability will propel market growth.