Diving Support Vessel Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Diving Support Vessel Market Overview

Diving Support Vessel Market size was valued at USD 1.27 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1.74 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.58% from 2025 to 2033.

Diving support vessels (DSVs) play a vital role in the offshore oil and gas industry, enabling underwater construction, maintenance, and repair operations. The market is witnessing growth due to increasing offshore oil exploration activities and rising investments in subsea infrastructure. According to industry data, over 60% of subsea oil fields globally depend on DSVs for inspection and repair tasks. The global offshore rig count rose by 8% in 2024 compared to 2023, directly boosting the demand for DSVs.

The demand for diving support vessels is also driven by the aging offshore infrastructure that needs continuous monitoring and maintenance. In 2024 alone, more than 400 subsea pipelines required maintenance, creating steady demand for support vessels equipped with advanced diving systems. Modern DSVs now feature saturation diving systems that can operate up to depths of 300 meters, enhancing operational capabilities for deep-sea projects.

Technological advancements such as dynamic positioning systems and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) onboard DSVs have improved operational efficiency and safety. For example, around 70% of new DSVs delivered between 2024 and 2025 came with integrated ROV systems. The integration of green technologies, such as hybrid propulsion, is also gaining traction to comply with stricter marine emission standards.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing offshore oil exploration projects have led to a 12% rise in demand for specialized diving support vessels globally.

COUNTRY/REGION: Norway added four new DSV contracts in 2024, expanding its North Sea capacity by 15%.

SEGMENT: The saturation diving system segment accounted for over 65% of vessel upgrades in 2024 due to rising deep-water operations.

Diving Support Vessel Market Trends

In recent years, the diving support vessel market has witnessed robust trends driven by evolving offshore operations and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. A significant trend is the move towards hybrid propulsion systems to reduce carbon emissions, with over 20% of new builds in 2024 featuring hybrid engines. The increased use of digital monitoring tools for real-time vessel and diver tracking is another trend, with approximately 55% of active fleets now equipped with digital twin technology. The expansion of offshore wind energy projects, which grew by 10% in installed capacity in 2024, is creating new opportunities for DSV operators beyond oil and gas. Furthermore, vessel operators are focusing on fleet modernization, with over 30 new DSVs scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027. The trend towards multi-purpose vessels capable of performing inspection, maintenance, and light construction is driving cost efficiency for operators. Global environmental regulations, such as IMO’s 2025 targets, are also influencing vessel design and operational standards, pushing shipbuilders to deliver energy-efficient and low-emission vessels. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa are adopting these advanced vessels to support growing offshore activities, adding further momentum to this evolving trend landscape.

Diving Support Vessel Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the diving support vessel market are shaped by factors like technological advancements, increasing underwater infrastructure, and strict regulatory frameworks. The push for deeper offshore oil extraction has driven the demand for more capable vessels, with an estimated 40% of global oil reserves located offshore at depths greater than 500 meters. As offshore projects become more complex, there is a higher requirement for vessels equipped with dynamic positioning and state-of-the-art saturation diving systems. Another dynamic is the aging fleet issue; over 35% of the global DSV fleet is more than 20 years old, creating opportunities for new builds and fleet replacement. On the flip side, environmental concerns and stricter emission norms have compelled operators to invest in cleaner propulsion technologies and alternative fuels. For instance, several operators introduced biofuel trials on existing fleets in 2024, aiming for a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2026. Supply chain challenges, including rising steel prices and component shortages, have also impacted vessel delivery schedules. Geopolitical tensions in oil-rich regions further influence demand, pushing operators to reposition fleets strategically to high-potential zones. Overall, the interplay of fleet modernization, rising offshore investments, environmental compliance, and technological progress will continue to define the market dynamics through 2033.

DRIVER

Growing deep-sea oil exploration is expanding the market.

The increase in oil extraction activities in ultra-deepwater regions has spurred significant demand for modern DSVs. More than 20 new offshore deep-sea blocks were awarded for exploration globally in 2024, creating consistent work for support vessels and related service providers.

RESTRAINT

High operational costs limit small operators.

Operating a diving support vessel requires significant capital and operational expenditure. Crew salaries, maintenance, and advanced equipment costs keep operational costs high. In 2024, average daily operating expenses for large DSVs crossed USD 50,000, restraining market entry for small players.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of offshore wind farms boosts vessel demand.

With offshore wind capacity expected to grow by 15% annually until 2030, DSVs are increasingly being repurposed for subsea cable installation and maintenance. In 2025, Europe alone is projected to add over 4 GW of new offshore wind capacity, creating opportunities for vessel operators.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory compliance and emission norms pose hurdles.

Strict maritime emission norms, such as IMO’s 2025 carbon intensity targets, push operators to retrofit or upgrade older vessels. Around 40% of active fleets risk non-compliance if timely upgrades are not implemented, posing significant operational and financial challenges.

Diving Support Vessel Market Segmentation

The diving support vessel market is segmented by type and application, reflecting varied operational requirements. By type, semi-submersible vessels dominate operations in harsh offshore environments due to their stability and advanced dynamic positioning capabilities. In 2024, over 70% of deep-water construction projects utilized semi-submersible DSVs. On the other hand, supply vessels, which are more cost-effective and versatile, are used for shallow water tasks and nearshore operations. Nearly 45% of DSV fleet additions in 2024 were supply vessels tailored for multipurpose roles, showing the market’s preference for flexible operations. By application, offshore oil and gas remains the largest segment, driven by increasing exploration in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, and Southeast Asia. More than 60 new offshore oil rigs are expected to be installed worldwide by 2026, sustaining demand for DSVs for pipeline installation and subsea inspections. Meanwhile, the marine research segment is gradually expanding as governments and private institutes invest in seabed mapping and environmental studies. In 2024, marine research projects using DSVs grew by 8%, especially in the Arctic and deep Pacific regions where unique marine ecosystems are being studied for conservation and climate data collection. This segmentation highlights the market’s reliance on technological enhancements and diversified vessel designs to serve complex offshore requirements efficiently.

By Type

Semi-submersible Vessels: Semi-submersible DSVs are specially designed for stable operations in rough seas and deep-water projects. In 2024, around 65% of deep-water pipeline installations used semi-submersible vessels due to their advanced dynamic positioning and high payload capacity. These vessels can support operations at depths exceeding 500 meters, making them indispensable for complex offshore tasks.
Supply Vessels: Supply-type DSVs cater to shallow and mid-water projects with flexible configurations. They are cost-effective and suitable for lighter diving operations and equipment transport. In 2024, nearly 40% of vessel charters for subsea inspections in the Asia-Pacific region were supply-type DSVs, indicating their popularity for multipurpose roles and shorter missions.

By Application

Offshore Oil & Gas: The offshore oil and gas sector remains the largest user of DSVs. Over 70% of all active DSV operations globally are linked to oil and gas infrastructure installation, inspection, and maintenance. In 2024, new subsea pipeline projects in Africa alone created demand for an additional 15 dedicated DSVs to support installation and repair.
Marine Research: Marine research operations are increasingly relying on DSVs for oceanographic surveys, seabed mapping, and biodiversity studies. In 2024, the number of research missions using DSVs rose by 12% compared to 2023, particularly in polar regions. These vessels provide a stable and safe platform for scientists working in challenging underwater conditions.

Regional Outlook of the Diving Support Vessel Market

Regionally, the diving support vessel market shows significant variation driven by local offshore oil and gas activities, investment in marine research, and renewable energy expansion. North America continues to be a major hub, with over 40% of its offshore rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico, driving sustained demand for DSVs. In 2024, the U.S. announced 10 new deep-water exploration licenses, boosting local fleet utilization rates. Europe remains at the forefront of offshore wind expansion, with the North Sea witnessing a 15% increase in subsea cable projects in 2024. Norway and the UK account for nearly 30% of the regional DSV fleet, largely supporting both oil and renewable sectors. Asia-Pacific shows robust growth due to increasing offshore activities in China, Malaysia, and Australia. In 2024, Southeast Asia recorded a 9% year-on-year rise in offshore maintenance activities requiring specialized vessels. The Middle East & Africa region benefits from rich offshore oil fields, with new discoveries in Mozambique and Nigeria driving demand for advanced support vessels. In 2025, over five new offshore platforms are expected to be operational in West Africa, reinforcing the need for modern DSVs capable of handling complex subsea tasks. Regional variations highlight how localized energy strategies and environmental goals influence the market’s pace and fleet composition worldwide.

North America

North America’s DSV market is led by the U.S. and Mexico due to heavy offshore oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2024, over 50 DSVs operated in this region, supporting more than 20 active offshore rigs. New Arctic exploration projects in Alaska are expected to further push fleet requirements by 2026.

Europe

Europe maintains a mature market due to extensive offshore oil fields in the North Sea and rapid growth in offshore wind projects. In 2024, the UK and Norway collectively managed over 70 DSVs. Offshore wind farm maintenance projects expanded by 18% compared to 2023, boosting vessel charter rates.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is experiencing notable growth in offshore oil and subsea infrastructure development. In 2024, the region deployed over 40 new DSVs to support operations mainly in Southeast Asia. China’s expansion of offshore wind capacity and Australia’s new gas fields are set to strengthen market prospects through 2026.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa’s market is driven by new offshore oil discoveries and deep-water gas fields. Nigeria and Angola together accounted for over 30% of Africa’s offshore fleet in 2024. The Middle East’s subsea construction projects grew by 10% in 2024, further driving demand for modern diving support vessels.

List of Top Diving Support Vessel Companies

Subsea 7 S.A.
TechnipFMC plc
DOF Subsea AS
Sapura Energy Berhad
Fugro N.V.
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc.
Bourbon Offshore
Vard Group AS
Swire Pacific Offshore
Kreuz Subsea

Subsea 7 S.A.: Subsea 7 is a global leader with a large fleet of advanced DSVs. In 2024, it operated more than 10 semi-submersible vessels capable of working at ultra-deepwater sites, supporting major projects in the North Sea and Brazil.

TechnipFMC plc: TechnipFMC is known for its integrated offshore solutions, including a robust DSV fleet. The company expanded its fleet with two new hybrid DSVs in 2024, improving fuel efficiency while serving complex deep-sea installations worldwide.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the diving support vessel market are increasing as operators modernize aging fleets and adapt to stricter emission standards. With more than 35% of the current global DSV fleet over 20 years old, shipbuilders see an opportunity in retrofitting vessels with hybrid engines and advanced dynamic positioning. Regions like Southeast Asia and West Africa are becoming attractive for investors due to expanding offshore activities. In 2024, private equity funding worth over USD 500 million flowed into vessel fleet expansions in these regions. Shipyards in Norway, Singapore, and South Korea are witnessing rising order books for custom-built DSVs designed for multi-purpose operations. New contracts for fleet expansion often come bundled with digital solutions for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, which helps reduce operational downtime by about 15%. The offshore wind sector is another area with investment potential; the growing number of subsea cable installations requires vessels equipped with modern diving systems. Partnerships between vessel operators and technology providers are also emerging, focusing on integrating AI-based systems for safer diving operations. By 2026, an estimated 50 new DSVs are expected to enter service globally, highlighting the market’s solid growth potential.

New Product Development

Innovation is reshaping the diving support vessel industry as companies develop new products to meet evolving offshore requirements and sustainability targets. Shipbuilders are increasingly focusing on hybrid propulsion systems that cut fuel consumption by up to 20% compared to conventional vessels. New DSV designs launched in 2024 feature larger moon pools and enhanced saturation diving chambers, enabling deeper and longer underwater missions. Advanced dynamic positioning systems with DP3 capability have become a standard, offering greater station-keeping accuracy in harsh sea conditions. Some companies are developing modular vessels that can switch roles between diving support, subsea construction, and light well intervention. Integration of digital twin technology for real-time monitoring and maintenance planning is gaining traction; around 30% of newly ordered vessels in 2024 included this feature. Vessel operators are also collaborating with equipment manufacturers to integrate next-generation ROVs capable of operating at depths beyond 3,000 meters, expanding the operational reach. Safety enhancements like automated diver recovery systems and improved life-support modules are also part of the latest vessel designs. The push for environmentally friendly solutions has led to trials of alternative fuels like LNG and biofuels on select DSVs. These product developments are set to redefine the market by offering operators more efficient, safer, and greener options.

Five Recent Developments

In 2024, Subsea 7 launched a new hybrid DSV with fuel savings up to 18%.
DOF Subsea signed a five-year contract for North Sea operations in May 2024.
Fugro expanded its fleet with two new research-focused DSVs in early 2025.
Sapura Energy upgraded three vessels with digital twin technology in 2024.
TechnipFMC announced a partnership to develop LNG-powered DSVs by 2026.

Report Coverage of Diving Support Vessel Market

This report provides detailed coverage of the global diving support vessel market, highlighting its structural drivers, emerging trends, and key market dynamics. It covers in-depth segmentation by vessel type and application while analyzing the regional outlook across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Data includes fleet age profiles, vessel specifications, and technological advancements such as dynamic positioning systems and hybrid propulsion. The report analyzes recent fleet investments, new product developments, and sustainability trends influencing vessel design and operation. It also profiles the top 10 market players, describing their fleet size, technological edge, and geographical presence. Facts from 2024 to 2033 show that more than 50 new DSVs will enter the global fleet, while about 40% of older vessels will require significant upgrades to meet stricter emission norms by 2027. The report includes key recent developments, fleet expansions, new contracts, and innovations reshaping the market landscape. This comprehensive coverage equips stakeholders with actionable insights for fleet planning, strategic investments, and competitive positioning within the evolving offshore support industry.