Pipelayers Market Size - By Equipment, By Lifting Capacity, By Technology, By Application, By End Use, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Pipelayers Market Size

The global pipelayers market was valued at USD 3.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2032. Infrastructure development is a key driver for the market, with both developed and developing nations emphasizing it. As countries invest in enhancing water supply systems, sewage networks, oil and gas pipelines, and other utilities, the demand for pipelayers rises. These machines are vital for efficiently and safely laying pipes across diverse terrains.
 

The global energy sector's expansion and diversification significantly drive the pipelayers market. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for natural gas pipelines increases, bridging fossil fuels and renewables. Concurrently, exploration and production activities in the oil and gas sector, especially in emerging markets and offshore sites, sustain robust demand for pipelayers. Furthermore, the rising adoption of district heating and cooling systems in urban centers necessitates extensive underground piping networks, further boosting the demand for pipelayers. Thus, the evolving energy sector dynamics ensure a steady requirement for these specialized machines.
 

Pipelayers Market Trends

Manufacturers of pipelayer equipment are integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. Innovations include GPS and machine control systems for precise grading and positioning, telematics for remote monitoring and preventive maintenance, and improved ergonomics for operator comfort. Some models now feature hybrid or electric powertrains to reduce emissions and operating costs. These advancements are increasing the appeal of pipelayers to contractors and rental companies, driving market growth.
 

The pipelayers market is highly sensitive to economic fluctuations and market volatility, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. Fluctuating energy prices, geopolitical tensions, and evolving energy policies significantly impact pipeline construction and maintenance demand. This volatility complicates long-term planning and investment decisions for pipelaying companies. Economic downturns may lead to project cancellations or delays, affecting revenue streams and potentially causing financial strain. Additionally, the global shift towards renewable energy sources creates uncertainty about the long-term demand for traditional pipeline infrastructure.
 

Pipelayers Market Analysis

Based on equipment, the general segment accounted for over 65% of the market share in 2023 and is expected to exceed USD 3.5 billion by 2032. Growing environmental awareness and the push for sustainability are transforming the market. The industry now prioritizes minimizing environmental impacts during pipeline construction and operation, leading to the development of eco-friendly pipelayer equipment with reduced emissions and noise levels.
 

The demand for advanced pipelayers with enhanced accuracy and control features is rising due to the need for precision in pipeline installation to prevent leaks and environmental damage. Additionally, the shift towards renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen transport, necessitates specialized equipment. Environmental regulations and sustainability goals are driving both the demand for pipelayers and the technological advancements in the equipment.
 

Based on the technology, the hydraulic segment is likely to exceed USD 4 billion by 2032. Pipelayer manufacturers are increasingly adopting electro-hydraulic systems to enhance precision and efficiency. These systems combine traditional hydraulic power with electronic controls, enabling more accurate and responsive operations. For instance, In September 2024, at Intermat, Liebherr unveiled a diverse range of machines featuring alternative drives and digital solutions, including pipelayers. Notably, Liebherr introduced the Liduro Power Port (LPO), a mobile energy storage system designed to power hybrid and fully electric pipelayers.
 

Utilizing sensors and advanced algorithms, electro-hydraulic systems optimize hydraulic fluid flow and pressure in real time, resulting in smoother movements and reduced energy consumption. This technology also improves load sensing and automates functions, increasing safety and productivity on job sites. The integration of electro-hydraulics is advancing pipelayer operations towards greater intelligence and semi-autonomy, aligning with the industry's trend toward smarter construction equipment.
 

China accounted for over 45% share of the pipelayers market in 2023. China's Belt and Road Initiative is driving pipeline construction across Asia and beyond. Chinese companies are heavily involved in international pipeline projects, increasing the demand for pipelayers domestically and internationally. This trend highlights China's growing global influence and its strategy to secure energy supplies and trade routes. The Chinese government is significantly investing in expanding its domestic pipeline network, particularly for natural gas distribution, driving demand for pipelayers as new infrastructure connects major cities and industrial centers. This trend is expected to continue as China aims to reduce coal reliance and increase natural gas usage for environmental reasons.
 

North America's aging pipeline infrastructure requires replacement or upgrades, creating ongoing demand for pipelayers as companies invest in maintaining and modernizing networks. Safety concerns and regulatory pressures are key drivers of this trend.
 

European countries are diversifying their energy sources to reduce dependence on Russian gas, leading to new pipeline projects connecting to alternative suppliers in the Mediterranean and North Sea regions. This strategic shift is driving demand for pipelayers as new infrastructure is developed.
 

The UAE continues to invest in its oil and gas sector, expanding pipeline networks to support increased production and export capabilities. This maintains a steady demand for pipelayers, particularly for projects connecting new fields to existing infrastructure and export terminals.
 

Pipelayers Market Share

HerrenKnecht specializes in underground construction technology, focusing on advanced pipelayer systems for tunneling projects. This niche focus allows them to effectively target specific market segments. They provide customizable pipelaying solutions tailored to unique project requirements, enhancing their competitive advantage.
 

John Deere incorporates advanced technologies like telematics, machine learning, and automation in its pipelayers, improving operational efficiency and providing real-time data to users.
 

Pipelayers Market Companies

Major players operating in the Pipelayers industry are:

• BEML
• Bonatti
• Brandt Group
• Caterpillar
• Herrenknecht 
• John Deere
• Komatsu
• Liebherr
• MAATS
• Volvo
   

Pipelayers Industry News

• In February 2024, Herrenknecht deployed its small diameter Direct Pipe for a European gas pipeline network. The AVNS slurry MTBM concept, with an integrated jet pump system, enables drive lengths up to 1,500 meters for installations starting from 24 inches. Advances in the navigation system have eliminated the need for magnetic-field detection systems, making the small Direct Pipe simpler, more reliable, and versatile. This innovation opens new opportunities for planning pipeline networks and underground cable routes.
   
• In June 2023, Mexico Pacific, GDI Sicim Pipelines, and Bonatti finalized the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the Sierra Madre pipeline project. The 500-mile pipeline will transport up to 2.8 Bcf/d of natural gas from the U.S. border to the first phase of Mexico Pacific’s 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) Saguaro Energia liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico. Under the lump-sum-turnkey EPC contracts, the GDI Sicim Pipelines and Bonatti joint venture will handle engineering, procurement, and construction, with Bonatti also managing the required compressor stations.
   

This pipelayers market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn), and volume (Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Equipment

• General
• Multi-function
• Others

Market, By Lifting Capacity

• Up to 40 tons
• 40-100 tons
• Above 100 tons

Market, By Technology

• Hydraulic
• Mechanical
• Hybrid

Market, By Application

• Oil & gas
• Water distribution
• Sewage systems
• Mining
• Others

Market, By End Use

• Construction companies
• Oil & gas companies
• Government agencies
• Private contractors

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa