Market Trends of Middle East Pipeline Maintenance Industry
Pigging Segment to have a Significant Share in the Market
- Pigging is a common technique used in pipeline maintenance and operations. It involves the use of specialized devices called "pigs" to perform various functions within the pipeline. These pigs are typically cylindrical or spherical in shape and are inserted into the pipeline to travel through it, propelled by the flow of the product or by external means such as compressed air or hydraulic pressure.
- Pigging is poised to be a dominant segment in Middle East pipeline maintenance due to several region-specific factors. The presence of aging pipeline infrastructure in the Middle East necessitates regular maintenance and cleaning, making pigging an essential technique. With the region being a major hub for oil and gas production and transportation, pipelines in the Middle East handle high volumes of hydrocarbons over long distances. Pigging plays a critical role in maintaining these pipelines' flow efficiency and integrity, optimizing operational efficiency, and minimizing disruptions.
- The increasing demand for natural gas in the Middle East as a cleaner energy source also contributes to the prominence of pigging in pipeline maintenance. Natural gas pipelines require regular pigging for cleaning, maintenance, and inspection to ensure efficient and safe gas transportation.
- For instance, in November 2022, the Iranian Petroleum Minister announced that his ministry had signed a cooperation agreement worth USD 40 billion with Gazprom for the construction of LNG complexes in the country, along with the development of gas fields and gas export transmission lines.
- Moreover, the construction of pipelines are on a rise in the region for instance, according to global energy monitor, as of May 2023, Iran is operating more than 6,000 KM oil pipeline, and Saudi Arabia is operating more than 4,600 KM oil pipeline
- Hence, owing to the above points, increasing investment in Pipeline Maintenance infrastructure will drive the market during the forecast period.
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Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing region in the Pipeline Maintenance market
- Saudi Arabia is the world's second-largest crude oil producer, accounting for about 12.5% of the Middle East crude oil produced in 2021. The country is also one of the largest crude oil exporters in the world. Moreover, Saudi Arabia accounted for the second-largest proven oil reserves in the world, after Venezuela, in 2020.
- With an extensive network of pipelines supporting the country's substantial hydrocarbon production and export activities, Saudi Arabia's ongoing investments in expanding its oil and gas infrastructure will necessitate increased maintenance requirements. The aging nature of many pipelines in the country further emphasizes the need for regular maintenance and repairs to mitigate issues like leaks and corrosion. According to global energy monitor, as of May 2023, Saudi Arabia has 86.2 kms oil pipe line unde construction.
- Saudi Arabia's ambitious production and export targets also contribute to the rising demand for pipeline maintenance. The reliability and integrity of the pipeline network are vital in achieving these targets, necessitating proactive maintenance measures such as inspections, cleaning, and repairs. Additionally, the diverse geographical challenges present in the country, including deserts, mountains, and offshore areas, require specialized expertise and equipment for pipeline maintenance.
- In 2020, Saudi Arabia achieved a milestone in its dry natural gas production, reaching an average of 11 billion cubic feet per day. This marked a significant 30% increase compared to the production levels of 2010.
- As of 2021, Saudi Aramco, the national oil company, operated more than 90 pipelines and 12,000 miles of crude oil and petroleum product pipelines throughout the country, all of which linked the production areas to the processing facilities, export terminals, and consumption centers.
- Furthermore, due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the supply of natural gas has increased from the region, increasing the demand for pipelines, consequently increasing the demand for pipeline maintenance services.
- For instance, in November 2022, Saudi Arabia announced that it would assist with the commercial supply of LNG to Bangladesh on an emergency basis. This assurance came during the 14th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission of Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh
- Hence, owing to the above points, Saudi Arabia is expected to see significant market growth in the Pipeline Maintenance market during the forecast period.
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