Growth Opportunities for Pipe Coatings in Oil and Gas and Water and Wastewater in Europe and North America, Forecast to 2022

Pipelines are mainly used to transport and distribute oil, gas, chemicals, and water in North America and Europe. Among the various modes available for transporting energy, pipelines have proven to be the most cost effective and efficient option. Corrosion remains one of the key problems associated with pipelines that are often based on metals such as copper, aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, and other alloys. Corrosion is a critical threat for pipelines and the cost of corrosion is approximately 3% of US GDP on a year-on-year basis. Various coatings formulated to protect pipeline external and internal surfaces from corrosion and other chemical and mechanical damages are broadly termed as pipe coatings. Pipelines are often used underground or submerged, and are often subjected to corrosion and coatings act as an ideal barrier between the pipe surface and the corrosive media. The rate of corrosion depends on the pipeline’s operating temperature, surroundings, soil quality, and interference with other facilities.

Research Scope
In this study, the market for pipe coatings in the end-user industries of oil and gas and water and wastewater is analyzed for North America and Europe. The base year is 2017. Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE), polyurethane, concrete, and 3LPE/3LPP are the major chemistries involved in the formulation of these coatings.

The market for pipe coatings is highly competitive among manufacturers of lower-range products used mostly in the water and wastewater industry. Additionally, the presence of a significant number of large and regional market participants offering such products compels manufacturers to maintain low prices due to the high price sensitivity of customers, especially in the developing countries of Eastern Europe.

Research Highlights
The market in North America is expected to witness considerable growth from the water and wastewater sector, while a recovery in crude oil prices is expected to propel revenue growth in the region from the oil and gas sector. Active focus of the US government to promote the Oil and Gas industry’s activities to obtain energy independence is likely to continue to drive the demand for pipes and, in turn, for coatings in the region. Oil and gas operators are increasingly focusing on maintenance and repair activities to ensure uninterrupted operation of facilities, especially in the scenario of lower crude oil prices. 

Overall, 95% of the people living in Europe have access to clean drinking water and return wastewater to the environment in a safe manner. However, a significant share of the pipe infrastructure in the region is old and needs renewal. Pipe coatings that are used in the drinking water segment are associated with growing concerns over aquatic toxicity, eutrophication, and other environmental dangers. Pipe coatings are, therefore, formulated with organic inhibitors that do not contain heavy metals for transportation of drinking water to avoid water contamination.

Pipe coatings face regulatory pressure from organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and REACH that mandate the use of products with low VOC emissions and eliminate the use of heavy metals. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in product development to enhance environmental sustainability and product efficiency. Customers are looking for products that are easier to apply, with quicker drying times and longevity