PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1476313
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1476313
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Subsea Cables Equipment Market is growing at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. Subsea cables equipment refers to specialized devices and machinery used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underwater cables for telecommunications, power transmission, and offshore infrastructure. This equipment includes cable-laying vessels, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), cable plows, trenching machines, and repair ships. These tools are crucial for deploying and maintaining the extensive network of submarine cables that connect continents and support global communication and energy transmission.
According to ITU, the number of fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants was 35.4 in Europe in 2022 and 25.4 in the Americas. Consequently, the demand for submarine telecommunication systems is steadily increasing. According to International Telecommunication Union, a specialized agency of the United Nations, the number of internet users worldwide reached around 4.9 Million in 2021, up from 4.6 Million in 2020.
Increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity
The increasing demand for high-speed internet connectivity serves as a significant driver in the subsea cables equipment market. As the global reliance on digital communication continues to grow, there is a heightened need for robust infrastructure capable of facilitating rapid data transmission across continents. Subsea cables play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity for international internet traffic. This trend is fueled by the escalating usage of streaming services, cloud computing, online gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications, driving investments in subsea cable infrastructure worldwide.
High installation and maintenance costs
The intricate process of laying subsea cables, often in deep and challenging underwater environments, requires specialized equipment, skilled labor, and substantial financial investment. Additionally, ongoing maintenance efforts to ensure cable integrity and operational efficiency further add to the overall expenses. These high costs can deter potential investors and limit the adoption of subsea cable projects, particularly in regions where budget constraints are a concern, impacting market growth.
Expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration activities
As oil and gas companies increasingly explore deeper waters for hydrocarbon reserves, there is a growing demand for subsea infrastructure, including cables for communication, power transmission, and data transfer. Subsea cables facilitate efficient operation, monitoring, and control of offshore drilling and production activities, enhancing safety, reliability, and productivity. This trend drives the need for advanced subsea cable equipment, creating lucrative opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in the market.
Environmental regulations and concerns
Environmental regulations and concerns pose a threat to the subsea cables equipment market due to stringent guidelines aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. Regulations governing cable installation, maintenance, and decommissioning may increase costs and project timelines. Concerns about the impact of cable deployment on marine habitats, biodiversity, and protected areas can lead to project delays or cancellations. Moreover, compliance with environmental standards necessitates thorough environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures, adding complexity and potential hurdles to the development of subsea cable projects, thereby posing a significant challenge to market growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the subsea cables equipment market by causing delays in project timelines due to supply chain disruptions and logistical challenges. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures have hindered installation and maintenance activities, leading to project postponements. Economic uncertainties have also affected investment decisions, potentially slowing down the growth of the market in the short term.
The subsea cable protection systems segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
In the subsea cables equipment market, the subsea cable protection systems segment is anticipated to dominate during the forecast period due to increasing investments in offshore energy infrastructure and telecommunications networks. These protection systems safeguard subsea cables from damage caused by external factors such as marine activity, seabed movements, and natural disasters. With the rising deployment of subsea cables for various applications, including renewable energy projects and intercontinental data transmission, the demand for robust cable protection systems is expected to remain high.
The offshore wind energy segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The offshore wind energy segment is poised for the highest CAGR in the subsea cables equipment market due to the increasing global focus on renewable energy sources. Governments worldwide are incentivizing offshore wind projects to meet clean energy targets, driving demand for subsea cables to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid. Additionally, technological advancements in offshore wind turbine installations and grid connections further contribute to the anticipated growth of this segment during the forecast period.
Over the forecast period, Asia Pacific is set to dominate the subsea cables equipment market due to several factors. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are driving the demand for reliable connectivity and energy infrastructure. Additionally, increasing investments in offshore wind energy projects and expanding internet connectivity requirements contribute to the region's prominence. Moreover, government initiatives supporting infrastructure development further bolster the growth potential of the subsea cables equipment market in Asia Pacific.
During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to witness rapid expansion in the subsea cables equipment market. This growth can be attributed to increasing investments in offshore wind energy projects, especially along the U.S. East Coast. Government initiatives promoting renewable energy development and advancements in subsea cable technologies are driving this expansion. Additionally, the region's robust offshore oil and gas sector and rising demand for high-speed internet connectivity contribute to the growing demand for subsea cables equipment in North America.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Subsea Cables Equipment Market include ABB Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., General Cable, Hengtong Group, Hydro Group plc, JDR Cable Systems, J-Power Systems Corporation, LS Cable & System, Marubeni Corporation, Nexans SA, NKT A/S, Prysmian Group, Subsea 7 S.A., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., TechnipFMC plc, Thai Cable International Co., Ltd., Vos Prodect Innovations BV and ZTT Group.
In October 2023, KKR, a leading global investment firm, and the parent company of OMS Group (or the "Company"), a leading telecom infrastructure company and provider of subsea cable services, announced the signing of definitive agreements under which KKR will commit $400 million in a tailored solution for OMS Group. This marks KKR's latest digital infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia, underlining its conviction in the role digitalization plays in the region's burgeoning internet economy.
In September 2023, Denmark-headquartered NKT has signed a long-term contract with a European company for the supply of copper rod that will be used for cables destined for offshore wind projects. To secure the supply of copper for its production of power cables, NKT signed an agreement with Polish copper supplier KGHM which will supply the Danish company with a minimum of 52,500 tons of copper wire rod annually in the period 2023-2027.