Marine Coatings Global Market Report 2025

The marine coatings market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $5.24 billion in 2024 to $5.49 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to regulatory environment, economic conditions, consumer preferences, competitive landscape, global events have historically influenced the market.

The marine coatings market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.02 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to demographic trends, growing environmental concerns, market innovation, growing supply chain optimization, changing consumer values are anticipated drivers. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced corrosion protection coatings, rise of silicone-based coatings, antimicrobial coatings for biosecurity, integration of graphene in coatings, coatings for fuel efficiency.

The forecast of 6.4% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by delaying shipbuilding and maintenance, with antifouling chemicals imported from the Netherlands and Norway. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing activities in sea trade are expected to drive the growth of the marine coatings market in the future. Sea trade involves the transportation of goods between countries across oceans. Marine coatings are effective in preventing corrosion of ships while they are submerged in water. These coatings also help repel moisture and reduce hydrodynamic drag, which enhances the efficiency of ships. As a result, the rising sea trade activities lead to an increased demand for marine coatings. For example, in July 2024, Eurostat, the Luxembourg-based government agency, reported that the gross weight of seaborne goods in the European Union reached 893.97 million tonnes in Q2 2022, up from 851.28 million tonnes in Q2 2021. Therefore, the growth in sea trade activities is propelling the expansion of the marine coatings market.

Rising sea levels are anticipated to drive the growth of the marine coatings market in the future. Sea levels represent the average height of the ocean's surface measured along a particular shoreline, commonly serving as a baseline for various geographic and environmental evaluations. Marine coatings are essential for protecting structures from corrosion and fouling at elevated sea levels, thereby enhancing the longevity and performance of maritime infrastructure. For instance, in April 2022, the NASA Sea Level Change Portal, a U.S. government agency, reported that the global average sea level increased by 0.3 inches (0.76 centimeters) between 2022 and 2023, compared to a rise of 0.08 inches (0.21 centimeters) from 2021 to 2022. Consequently, the increase in sea levels is propelling the marine coatings market.

Product innovations emerge as a significant trend gaining traction in the marine coating market, with major companies focusing on developing novel products to maintain their market standing. For instance, in March 2023, PPG Industries Inc., a US-based manufacturer of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, introduced PPG SIGMAGLIDE 2390 marine coating. Distinguished by its ability to lower energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and surpass performance goals without harming the marine environment, this fouling release coating utilizes the innovative PPG HYDRORESET technology, creating a smooth, nearly frictionless surface that marine organisms do not recognize when submerged in water.

Marine coating is a specialized protective coating designed to serve as a barrier, safeguarding substrates from damage by creating a protective layer between the water and the surface. This type of coating is commonly applied to ships, boats, tankers, and other materials to protect them from the effects of both saltwater and freshwater.

The primary product types of marine coatings include anti-fouling coatings, anti-corrosion coatings, foul-release coatings, and others. Anti-fouling coatings, for instance, typically feature a vinyl and wood rosin binder and are applied to the hull and propellers of maritime vessels. Resins used in marine coatings comprise various types such as epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, and others. Different technologies, including water-borne and solvent-borne, are employed, and these coatings find applications in various settings such as coastal areas, containers, deep-sea environments, leisure boats, offshore vessels, and more. They are utilized by diverse end-users, including those involved in the construction of new ships and repair work.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The escalating U.S. tariffs and rising trade tensions in spring 2025 are expected to significantly affect the chemicals sector, which is facing a disproportionate impact - particularly from tariffs on petrochemicals and intermediates, where affordable domestic alternatives are limited. Specialty chemical producers, who rely heavily on Chinese raw materials, are encountering production disruptions. Meanwhile, fertilizer manufacturers are seeing their profit margins squeezed due to tariffs on phosphate imports. In response, companies are increasing investments in R&D for bio-based alternatives, forming procurement alliances to strengthen purchasing power, and relocating production to tariff-neutral countries like Saudi Arabia.

The marine coatings market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides marine coatings market statistics, including marine coatings industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a marine coatings market share, detailed marine coatings market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the marine coatings industry. This marine coatings market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

Major companies in the marine coatings market are directing their efforts towards developing advanced coatings incorporating technology such as water trap technology to enhance fuel efficiency and gain a competitive edge. Water trap technology aims to reduce water flow resistance in marine coatings. For example, in January 2022, Nippon Paint Marine, a Japan-based manufacturer of biocide-free marine coatings, launched FASTAR, a self-polishing antifouling coating. Inspired by tuna skin, this coating incorporates water trap technology, reducing water flow resistance and lowering vessel fuel consumption by approximately 8%.

In April 2022, Sherwin-Williams Company, a US-based provider of paints, coatings, and related products, acquired the European industrial coatings business of Sika AG for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aligns with Sherwin-Williams' growth and profitability goals, providing access to unique technology and expanded manufacturing and service capabilities. Sika AG, a Switzerland-based company, specializes in manufacturing and selling corrosion protection coating systems for vessels, oil and gas tanks, and steel infrastructure both internally and externally.

Major companies operating in the marine coatings market include PPG Industries Limited, Akzo Nobel N.V., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Hempel A/S, Jotun, Nippon Paint Marine Coatings Co. Ltd., Axalta Coating Systems, RPM International Inc., Boero YachtCoatings, Kansai Paint Co. Ltd., KCC Corporation, Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd., Pettit Paints, General Coatings Manufacturing Corp., Wacker Chemie AG, International Paint Ltd., Carboline Company, International Marine Coatings, Ameron Protective Coatings, Devoe Marine Coatings, Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings, Sigma Coatings, BASF SE, Hexion Inc, ChromaScape, Baril Coatings, MCU coatings, Tikkurila Oyj.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the marine coatings market in 2024. The regions covered in the marine coatings market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the marine coatings market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The marine coating market consists of sales of paints, primers, base coats, and top coats. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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