Barge Transportation Market size is projected to cross USD 207 billion by the end of 2036 expanding at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period i.e., between 2024-2036. In the year 2023, the industry size of barge transportation was over USD 145 billion. Barges have a substantial carrying capacity, thus, they can be regarded as the perfect kind of transportation for moving large quantities of goods. A river barge, for example, has a carrying capacity of about 1,500 tons, which is fifteen times the carrying capacity of a 100-ton jumbo hopper train car and sixty times the carrying capacity of a trailer truck with a 25-ton carrying capacity.
The market has enormous growth potential in the upcoming years due to a number of factors, including the rise in government investments and initiatives for the construction of efficient inland water infrastructure and the research and development efforts of major industry players to create new and improve existing barge designs. For example, hybrid LNG barges are an environmentally beneficial and fuel-efficient substitute for traditional diesel-fired barges.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Year |
2024-2036 |
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CAGR |
3% |
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Base Year Market Size (2023) |
USD 145 Billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2036) |
USD 207 Billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Application (Coal, Crude & Petroleum Products, Liquid Chemicals, Agricultural Products, Pharmaceuticals)
In terms of application, the crude & petroleum products segment is anticipated to account for the largest barge transportation market share of 15% during the time period between 2024-2036. This can be attributed to escalating demand for coal. In addition, the growth of this segment is supported by rising demand for crude oil and an increase in ethanol production.
As per research, the global demand for crude oil comprising biofuels was 99.57 million barrels per day in the year 2022 and is poised to grow to 101.89 million barrels per day by the end of 2023. As a result of strict regulations being drawn up by various governments to reduce air pollution and prevent environmental damage caused by burning, coal consumption has declined in recent times. In parallel, there has been a growing trend towards the use of clean and lower-cost fuels like gas.
Type of Cargo (Liquid, Gaseous, Dry)
The dry cargo segment is set to hold 40% barge transportation market share by the end of 2036, impelled by the increased volumes of farm produce going on barges. The growth of the market is expected to be further supported by a growing need for cost-effective transport of products such as iron ore, steel, timber, and gravel around the world. However, dry cargo segment growth is likely to be slowed down in the coming years due to a diminishing demand for coal.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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Type of Cargo |
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Barge Fleet |
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Activities |
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Application |
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European Market Forecasts
The Europe barge transportation market is poised to hold the highest market share of 35% by 2036. Over the years, the European barge transport industry has been positively influenced by increasing investment in port development. For example, QTerminals announced a USD 120 million investment in the development of its port terminal in Ukraine in February 2020. The development of ports has led to increased oil and bulk trade, containers, and work for tugs in the country. A network of 2,000 kilometers of inland waterways in the United Kingdom offers ample opportunities for service providers to compete in the market.
The demand for barges in the region is being driven by factors such as improving economic conditions and a well-established network of inland waterways. The Netherlands has developed waterways to a high standard. In addition, various initiatives have been implemented by the Netherlands Government to develop a barge transportation management system in that country.
North American Market Statistics
The barge transportation market share in the North America region is estimated to reach 28% by the end of 2036. The market in this region is driven by a well-established inland waterway infrastructure in the United States.
The United States is a resource-rich country in need of an efficient transportation network. With that in mind, a significant infrastructure of locks and dams, water storage reservoirs, hydropower stations, levees, and other facilities are located there which bodes well for the sector. There is also a huge potential for barge transport due to an increase in shale oil production in the U.S.
Author Credits: Harshita Srivastava, Saima Khursheed
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