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Drilling fluids, also known as drilling muds, play a crucial role in controlling downhole pressure, lubricating & cooling drill bits, and removing drill cuttings from boreholes during drilling operations. Rise in deepwater and unconventional exploration and production (E&P) activities have increased the demand for technologically advanced drilling fluids that can withstand extreme pressure and temperature conditions. Continued product innovations to cater evolving drilling requirements is fueling the growth of the drilling fluids market.
The global Drilling Fluids Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.85 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period 2024-2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
The increasing deepwater and unconventional E&P projects across the globe are one of the key trends driving the drilling fluids market growth. According to estimates, deepwater drilling activities are expected to increase by over 9% between 2019 to 2023. Drilling fluids used in such operations need to withstand higher pressure differentials and protect the integrity of wells drilled thousands of feet below the seafloor. Leading manufacturers are focusing on developing drilling fluid systems optimized for extreme pressure and temperature conditions through continuous product innovation. The demand for enhanced performance fluids is further expected to increase with the rise in complex drilling operations in the coming years.
Segment Analysis
The global drilling fluids market is dominated by the oil-based mud sub-segment. Oil-based mud systems are preferred over water-based and synthetic-based mud systems for drilling unstable, highly permeable or over-pressured formations as they form a thin lubricating film that prevents pipe sticking. They have excellent shale inhibition properties and perform better in terms of lubrication in deep drilling operations.
Key Takeaways
The global drilling fluids market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. The market size is projected to grow from US$ 8.85 billion in 2024 to US$ 14.89 billion in 2031, registering a CAGR of 5%.
Regional analysis: North America currently dominates the global market and is expected to maintain its lead position over the forecast period. This can be attributed to rising upstream oil and gas activities in the US and Canada. Increasing shale gas drilling is further expected to drive demand for drilling fluids in the region.
Key players operating in the Drilling Fluids Market include Baker Hughes Company, Schlumberger Limited, Weatherford, DIAMOCO Group, Conquest Drilling, QMax, ChemFor, Dynamic Drilling Fluids, Halliburton, Newpark Resources Inc., AES Drilling Fluids, NOV Inc., Stellar Drilling Fluids. LLC, Secure Energy, Total Energies, and Valence Drilling Fluids, LLC.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
