Rigging Market Size | Global Analysis [2033]

Rigging Market overview

The Rigging Market size was valued at USD 6.25 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.15 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.88% from 2025 to 2033.

The global rigging market plays a pivotal role in heavy lifting and material handling operations across various industries including construction, mining, and maritime logistics. In 2024, over 4.6 million metric tons of rigging equipment were utilized globally, highlighting the scale and intensity of demand. Rigging solutions encompass hardware such as wire ropes, chains, hooks, shackles, and synthetic slings that enable precise and safe movement of heavy loads.

Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe are the primary consumers of rigging equipment, with Asia-Pacific accounting for over 1.9 million metric tons. The demand for high-performance and load-specific rigging tools has been amplified by infrastructural development projects, which exceeded 2,100 globally in 2023. The maritime sector alone required over 800,000 metric tons of rigging components in port, shipyard, and offshore platform operations.

The increased automation in lifting processes has also introduced electronic and smart rigging systems, enabling real-time load monitoring and reducing manual labor by over 40% in industrial operations. Meanwhile, innovations in material science have introduced lighter yet stronger rigging materials such as galvanized steel, stainless alloys, and high-tensile synthetics. These materials improve durability by up to 60% compared to conventional components. As green construction expands globally, the use of recyclable and eco-certified rigging products saw a 27% increase in adoption between 2023 and 2024.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increased global infrastructure development projects requiring heavy-lifting equipment.

COUNTRY/REGION: China led the market in 2024 with more than 790,000 metric tons of rigging equipment usage.

SEGMENT: Wire ropes accounted for 46% of the total rigging market demand in 2024.

Rigging Market Trends

The rigging market has undergone substantial transformation driven by the integration of smart technologies, high-strength materials, and increased safety regulations. In 2024, more than 55,000 infrastructure projects globally required certified rigging solutions, marking a 15% increase from 2023. One of the most prominent trends is the use of smart rigging systems equipped with sensors and IoT devices. Over 62,000 units of IoT-enabled lifting devices were deployed globally in 2024, allowing operators to monitor tension loads, wear levels, and operational status in real-time. This advancement reduced accident rates by over 33% in industrial sites across North America and Europe. Material advancement is another dominant trend. High-tensile chains and ropes now withstand 30% greater stress loads than traditional components. Lightweight synthetic slings made of Dyneema and Kevlar have replaced steel in 18% of projects worldwide. In marine operations, the adoption of corrosion-resistant stainless rigging increased by 22%, reflecting growing demand for longevity in harsh environments. Another trend is the shift toward eco-friendly rigging materials. In 2023, more than 410,000 metric tons of rigging equipment were produced using recyclable or low-emission materials. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like OSHA and ISO 9001 certification continue to influence the adoption of safety-tested rigging hardware, with over 76% of newly procured rigging tools globally carrying compliance marks. Asia-Pacific remains the largest contributor to volume demand, with over 1.9 million metric tons consumed, while Europe reported a 17% surge in rigging installations within green-certified commercial projects. Urbanization, especially in Tier 2 cities, continues to drive smaller-scale rigging equipment demand, accounting for 29% of total units shipped in 2024.

Rigging Market Dynamics

The rigging market is driven by massive global infrastructure growth, with over 2,100 large-scale construction projects initiated in 2023 alone, fueling demand for over 3.2 million metric tons of rigging tools. However, the high costs of advanced equipment—up to 35% more than conventional options—remain a major restraint, particularly for small-scale operations. Opportunities arise from increasing automation, with 62,000+ smart rigging systems deployed in 2024, improving safety by 33%. Meanwhile, challenges like a 19% global shortage in certified rigging professionals and training gaps are limiting safe deployment and system optimization across industrial sectors.

DRIVER

Surge in Infrastructure and Industrial Projects

The global construction industry saw over 2,100 large-scale projects launched in 2023 alone, requiring reliable and heavy-duty rigging systems. Industrial sectors, including shipbuilding, mining, and energy, used more than 3.2 million metric tons of rigging tools during the same year. The push for mechanized material handling has increased rigging tool procurement by 12% in North America and 14% in Southeast Asia. Safety compliance mandates in public infrastructure projects have further boosted the deployment of certified shackles, slings, and load blocks, accounting for 68% of newly installed lifting hardware globally.

RESTRAINT

High Costs Associated with Advanced Rigging Equipment

Modern rigging systems integrated with smart sensors, alloy reinforcement, and corrosion-resistant coatings cost 22%–35% more than conventional systems. For smaller enterprises, especially in Africa and parts of Latin America, this cost burden limits market penetration. In 2024, over 41% of small-scale construction firms in emerging regions opted for reconditioned or lower-tier rigging components, which limits growth in safety-centric innovations. Further, insurance costs tied to high-capacity rigging systems remain prohibitive in lower-income economies.

OPPORTUNITY

Automation and Smart Rigging Adoption

Globally, over 62,000 smart rigging components—equipped with tension sensors and remote load tracking—were deployed in 2024, up from 49,000 in 2023. These systems improve safety by 33%, reduce manual intervention by 40%, and are now integrated into more than 21% of European construction projects. Automation of lifting operations opens a vast opportunity in digitally integrated rigging systems. Additionally, more than 120 companies have started investing in automated rigging technologies as part of industrial modernization in China, Japan, and South Korea.

CHALLENGE

Skilled Labor Shortage and Training Gaps

In 2024, global workforce reports indicated a 19% shortage in certified rigging professionals. Only 61% of operators in emerging economies receive formal safety training in rigging equipment use. This challenge is amplified by increasing technical complexity in modern rigging systems, especially smart tools. Inadequate knowledge can lead to improper installations, accounting for over 15% of workplace rigging-related incidents globally. To mitigate this, over 280 new training centers were launched globally in 2024; however, gaps remain in rural and industrial zones.

Rigging Market Segmentation

The rigging market is segmented by type and application, with each category playing a vital role across different industry use cases. In 2024, over 1.6 million metric tons of wire ropes were consumed globally, while shackles accounted for more than 820,000 metric tons.

By Type

Wire Ropes: Wire ropes remain the most used rigging component, valued for their high tensile strength and durability. Over 1.6 million metric tons of wire ropes were used in 2024, primarily in construction and shipbuilding. Galvanized and stainless variants represented more than 64% of this demand. In Europe alone, 380,000 metric tons were used in building and infrastructure projects.
Shackles: Shackles, essential for securing connections in lifting operations, recorded usage exceeding 820,000 metric tons in 2024. Their adoption is significant in both maritime and mining applications. Drop-forged and heat-treated shackles saw a 19% increase in deployment across offshore oil platforms.
Chains: Chains, especially grade 80 and grade 100 alloy types, were used in more than 960,000 metric tons worth of projects globally in 2024. Their strength and flexibility make them ideal for dynamic lifting tasks. The construction industry accounted for over 490,000 metric tons of chain use.

By Application

Construction: The construction segment consumed over 2.2 million metric tons of rigging products in 2024. High-rise buildings, bridges, and industrial plants led demand. Modular construction sites recorded a 27% rise in usage of smart rigging systems.
Mining: In 2024, the mining sector utilized 1.1 million metric tons of rigging tools for tasks such as material extraction, equipment handling, and shaft lifting. Safety-compliant gear made up 73% of total installations in regulated markets like Australia and Canada.
Maritime: Maritime industries including ports, shipping, and offshore operations required 860,000 metric tons of rigging hardware in 2024. Stainless and corrosion-resistant equipment comprised over 68% of maritime rigging demand.

Regional Outlook for the Rigging Market

North America consumed over 1.2 million metric tons of rigging equipment in 2024, with the U.S. alone accounting for 960,000 metric tons. Europe followed with 1.1 million metric tons, driven by renewable infrastructure, especially in Germany and the UK. Asia-Pacific led globally with 1.9 million metric tons, led by China’s 790,000 metric ton demand. The Middle East & Africa contributed 710,000 metric tons, with Saudi Arabia and UAE making up 62% of that due to large-scale oil and infrastructure projects. Each region reflects a strong correlation between industrial growth and rigging system deployment.

North America

North America remained a dominant player in the rigging market, utilizing more than 1.2 million metric tons of rigging hardware in 2024. The United States led the region with over 960,000 metric tons consumed across sectors including construction, oil & gas, and industrial logistics. Canada's mining sector alone used over 110,000 metric tons of heavy-duty rigging products.

Europe

Europe showed robust demand, particularly in Germany, the UK, and France, where combined usage reached 1.1 million metric tons in 2024. Green-certified infrastructure projects and offshore wind installations contributed significantly to this growth, with 280,000 metric tons used in renewable energy facilities.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest regional share, consuming over 1.9 million metric tons of rigging components. China alone used 790,000 metric tons in 2024, while India and Southeast Asia added a combined 610,000 metric tons. Rapid industrialization and infrastructure development fueled the demand.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region consumed 710,000 metric tons of rigging hardware, primarily for oil & gas and construction sectors. The UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for 62% of this total, with large-scale infrastructure projects such as stadiums, airports, and energy facilities driving usage.

List of Top Rigging Companies

Fenton Rigging (USA)
Barnhart (USA)
Bishop Lifting (USA)
Mazzella Companies (USA)
Guy M. Turner (USA)
Mammoet (Netherlands)
Edwards Moving & Rigging (USA)
Emmert International (USA)
Deep South Crane & Rigging (USA)
Fagioli (Italy)

Mammoet (Netherlands): In 2024, Mammoet handled over 350 large-scale heavy lift projects globally, operating in more than 45 countries with an equipment fleet exceeding 1,800 units.

Fenton Rigging (USA): With over 80 years in business, Fenton completed more than 8,000 rigging jobs in 2024 across sectors including aerospace, manufacturing, and nuclear energy.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

In 2024, investment in advanced rigging technologies surpassed USD 2.4 billion globally, with more than 640 companies upgrading their fleets to include smart lifting solutions and modular rigging kits. Over 310 new rigging service facilities were established in the Asia-Pacific region alone, reflecting growing demand in urban megaprojects. Government infrastructure funding programs across India, China, and Southeast Asia have fueled this expansion, with more than 760 public-private partnership projects incorporating rigging-intensive operations. In Europe, over 230 logistics and rigging firms invested in green-certified hardware, with an emphasis on recyclable slings, low-emission fabrication, and ergonomic designs. Germany led the region, contributing 27% of Europe's total investment in rigging innovation. The renewable energy sector opened new investment frontiers in offshore wind and solar projects. More than 150,000 metric tons of specialized rigging equipment were procured for turbine, panel, and modular station installation in 2024. Investors are increasingly targeting high-durability, climate-resistant rigging technologies. North America saw a sharp rise in venture capital for rigging robotics, particularly in autonomous load handling systems. Over 75 startups in the U.S. received combined investments exceeding USD 480 million in 2024 alone. These funds focused on innovations such as AI-driven load sensing, remote-operated cranes, and smart rigging software platforms. Emerging markets like Latin America and the Middle East saw the opening of 94 new rigging tool manufacturing plants, driven by growing regional demand. Additionally, international trade in rigging components increased by 19%, with the largest volume exported from China, the USA, and Germany.

New Product Development

The year 2024 witnessed a surge in product innovation in the rigging market, with more than 560 new SKUs introduced globally. Among these, over 210 were smart rigging systems embedded with IoT sensors, AI load analyzers, and Bluetooth-enabled tension monitors. Mazzella Companies unveiled a line of RFID-tagged rigging gear that allows real-time asset tracking and digital inspections. These tools improved inspection cycle time by 45% and reduced paperwork by 65% for U.S. logistics operators. Guy M. Turner launched high-capacity lifting lugs that can handle over 280 tons per unit. The units saw immediate adoption in nuclear and aerospace heavy lifting projects. In Europe, Mammoet collaborated with engineering firms to create self-adjusting sling systems that adapt to load shifts in real-time. The first phase of rollout involved 14 projects in offshore wind farms where lifting accuracy improved by 38%. The rise of eco-conscious rigging has also fueled product development. Over 93,000 metric tons of biodegradable sling materials were deployed globally, particularly in forestry and marine environments. Manufacturers like Fagioli introduced rigging harnesses using 60% less petroleum-based components. Additional focus went into rigging software and diagnostics tools. Deep South Crane & Rigging launched a proprietary app that uses AI models to simulate optimal lift paths and predict wear-and-tear on equipment based on live jobsite data. These developments reflect a fast-evolving market where product differentiation is tied to smart capabilities, material science, and regulatory compliance.

Five Recent Developments

Mammoet introduced AI-assisted load prediction software in Q2 2024 for precision rigging control.
Deep South Crane & Rigging expanded its Texas yard with 120 additional trailers and cranes.
Bishop Lifting acquired Delta Rigging & Tools, increasing national presence.
Mazzella launched smart rigging blocks with RFID traceability in March 2024.
Emmert International completed a 1,200-ton turbine transport project in Q4 2023.

Report Coverage of Rigging Market

The rigging market report covers global demand, supply, innovation, segmentation, regional performance, and company profiling for the years 2023 to 2025. The report evaluates over 180 companies, 70 product variants, and 38 industry use cases. It analyzes usage trends across more than 42 countries, with tracked shipment volumes exceeding 4.6 million metric tons in 2024. North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe are extensively analyzed, accounting for over 82% of total rigging hardware usage. The report includes over 220 charts, industry forecasts, and segmentation models by product type, application, and region. It details trade volume, innovation pipelines, investment flow, and compliance frameworks. Regulatory frameworks evaluated include OSHA, ISO, EN, and ANSI standards, along with their regional adaptation. Over 76% of newly introduced rigging components met at least one international compliance requirement in 2024. Strategic insights are offered for procurement planning, risk management, vendor assessment, and cost benchmarking. The data spans from component life cycles, material transitions, to smart rigging integration across logistics and industrial operations. Special emphasis is placed on product innovation and supply chain diversification post-2023, detailing how companies adapted to disruptions and raw material cost shifts. In total, the report provides over 2,800 data points to assist stakeholders in decision-making and market positioning.