The global tunnel boring machine market is used for underground construction activities such as road tunnels, rail tunnels, utility tunnels and mining tunnels. Tunnel boring machines are giant earth-boring machines used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety as hard soils and rock. They can bore through anything from hard rock to sand. Tunnel boring machines are used as they provide many advantages over drilling and blasting techniques such as minimized risk to nearby structures, predictable ground movement, minimized noise and dust. The growing demand for efficient infrastructure and expansion of urban transport networks is fueling the demand for tunnel boring machines.

The Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 6,705.8 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the global tunnel boring machine market are Komatsu Ltd., SN Mercantile India Pvt. Ltd., High Speed Two Ltd., Amberg Engineering, Mammoet, Hitachi Zosen Sakai Works, China Railway Tunnel Group, Sika AG, Liaoning Censcience End-Use Co. Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Herrenknecht AG, The Robbins Company, TERRATEC Ltd., Japan Tunnel Systems Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Komatsu Ltd. is a global leader in manufacturing of tunnel boring machines.

Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market Growth for efficient transportation and infrastructure is fueling for tunnel construction activities. Metros, high speed rails and road tunnels are seeing rising construction globally to ease traffic congestions in cities. This increasing construction of transportation tunnels is driving the demand for tunnel boring machines.

Technological advancements are helping in developing bigger diameter tunnel boring machines that can bore through harder rocks and soil strata. Introducing hybrid driveline systems, intelligent controls and connectivity features have made tunnel boring faster, safer and more efficient. Adaptive tunnel boring machines are being developed that can automatically adjust operating parameters.

Market Trends

Herrenknecht AG, a leading manufacturer is developing a 16 meters diameter Gripper TBM that is specially designed for transport tunnels above 30 kilometers length. Such larger diameter tunnel boring machines help complete projects faster.

Tunnel boring machine manufacturers are focusing on development of robotic tunnel boring machines equipped with features such as obstacle detection, wall mapping capabilities to ensure maximum safety during operations. This integration of robotics and artificial intelligence will transform tunneling activities.

Market Opportunities

The growing demand for metros and rapid transit systems in densely populated Asian cities like Delhi, Tokyo, Shanghai and Mumbai presents significant growth opportunities for tunnel boring machine manufacturers and construction companies.

Development of sustainable tunneling solutions using hybrid or fully electric driven tunnel boring machines can help reduce carbon footprint of infrastructure projects. This emerging opportunity of green tunneling presents new growth prospects.

Impact of COVID-19 on Global Tunnel Boring Machine Market

Covid-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the growth of global tunnel boring machine market. The construction activities across major regions were temporarily halted during the lockdowns imposed worldwide. This led to project delays and cancellation of planned infrastructure projects. Supply chain disruptions also created challenges in material availability and timely delivery of tunnel boring machines. Post covid scenario offers opportunities for recovery with resumption of infrastructure projects. However, continued uncertainty around new virus strains may pose threats. Adopting safety protocols, reducing dependence on global supply chains and increasing local production can help tunnel boring machine market overcome challenges going forward.

Europe Region Witnessed Largest Decline in Tunnel Boring Machine Market During Pandemic

Europe region accounted for around 35% of the global tunnel boring market value in pre-covid times owing to strong infrastructure spending across Western European countries. However, the region suffered maximum adverse impact during initial months of pandemic due to stringent lockdowns enforced across major countries like Italy, Spain, UK and Germany. The construction works across various highway and railway tunnel projects were temporarily halted leading to reduced demand from around 30% in Europe in 2020. Asia Pacific region relatively fared better with China resuming infrastructure activities earlier.

Fastest Growing Region For Tunnel Boring Machine Post Pandemic - Asia Pacific

With resumption of construction activities and continued focus on expanding transportation infrastructure, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness fastest recovery and emerge as the fastest growing regional market for tunnel boring machines during forecast period. Countries like China, India, South Korea and Southeast Asian nations are progressing with various ambitious high speed rail, metro railway and road tunnel projects. This translates to increasedlong term opportunities and contracts for tunnel boring machine manufacturers and project contractors. Adopting advanced tunnel boring technologies will further augment demand from Asia Pacific region in coming years.

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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)