February 16, 2025

Intelligent Pigging Market is being driven by stringent government regulations for pipeline integrity management globally

Intelligent pigging, also known as in-line inspection (ILI), is a method for inspecting pipelines using pipeline inspection gauges (PIGs) known as “intelligent pigs” or “smart pigs” that are inserted into and propelled through the pipeline, either by the product flow or via mechanical pushing and pulling. Intelligent pigging helps in detecting and measuring corrosion, deformations, metal loss, and cracks in pipeline thereby ensuring operational safety and regulatory compliance. This is important as oil and gas pipelines carry flammable and hazardous petroleum products over long distances underground. Failure or leakage in pipelines can result in costly environmental damages and safety issues.

The global Intelligent Pigging Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 1,408.3 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market key trends:

One of the major trends driving the growth of the intelligent pigging market is the increasing focus on in-line inspection of pipelines for detecting corrosion, cracks and other issues that may impact the safety and integrity of oil & gas pipelines. Pigs help in collecting data on anomalies in internal pipe conditions without shutting down or depressurizing pipeline operations. This is important as undetected corrosion or cracks can lead to pipeline ruptures causing massive economic losses, injuries and environmental damage. Stringent safety regulations mandated by government bodies globally are compelling pipeline operators to conduct regular ILI surveys to monitor pipeline integrity and ensure safety of operations. Advances in technology are also enabling development of more sophisticated intelligent pigs with capabilities of high resolution inspection, 360-degree crack detection and accurate defect sizing which is further augmenting the market growth.

Porter’s Analysis

  • Threat of new entrants: The threat of new entrants in the intelligent pigging market is moderate. The large capital requirement for production and oil & gas infrastructure assets acts as a barrier for new players.
  • Bargaining power of buyers: The bargaining power of buyers in the intelligent pigging market is high. The presence of many manufacturers and service providers gives buyers alternate options.
  • Bargaging power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is moderate. Suppliers of intelligent pigging technologies have to rely on a limited number of raw material.
  • Threat of new substitutes: The threat of substitutes is low. Alternative NDT techniques cannot effectively inspect and monitor long pipelines for corrosion and cracks.
  • Competitive rivalry: The competitive rivalry in the intelligent pigging market is high owing to the presence of global and regional players.

Key Takeaways

The global Intelligent Pigging Market is expected to witness high growth. It is projected to reach a value of US$ 2,028.5 Bn by 2030 from US$ 1,408.3 Bn in 2023, registering a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Regional analysis: North America region currently dominates the intelligent pigging market and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the large network of oil and gas pipelines in countries like the US and Canada. Factors like stringent government regulations regarding pipeline safety and increasing focus on utilizing advanced inspection techniques will further drive the regional market.

Key players: Key players operating in the Intelligent Pigging Market are LIN SCAN, T.D. Williamson, Inc., Baker Hughes Incorporated, GE Oil and Gas, NDT Global, Enduro Pipeline Services, Inc., Petrobras, OMV Group, ConocoPhillips, and Royal Dutch Shell PLC. LIN SCAN and T.D. Williamson are recognized as technology leaders in the market. Baker Hughes and GE Oil and Gas provide both hardware and software servicesrelated to intelligent pigs.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Ravina
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Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. 

Ravina Pandya

Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. 

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