Oilfield Surfactant Market
Segments - by Type (Anionic Surfactants, Cationic Surfactants, Amphoteric Surfactants, and Nonionic
Surfactants), Application (Conventional Oil and Gas, and Unconventional Oil and Gas), and Regions
(North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis,
Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2022 – 2030
The Global Oilfield Surfactant Market was estimated at USD 1,377.0 MN in 2021 and is anticipated to
reach USD 1,830.7 MN by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period. Surfactant is a
chemical used in the oil & gas industry, as it lowers the surface tension between liquids and solids.
Market players are pursuing strategies such as acquisitions, product launches, collaborations, and
geographic expansion to leverage untapped opportunities in the global Oilfield Surfactant market.
Key Market Players Profiled in the Report
• APL
• Ashland
• BASF SE
• Clariant
• Dow
• Evonik Industries AG
• Ivanhoe Industries Inc.
• Jiaxing Midas Oilfield Chemical Mfg Co., Ltd
• Kensing, LLC.
• Nouryon
• Pilot Chemical Corp.
• Solvay
• Stepan Company
Global Oilfield Surfactants Market:
Competitive Players
The key participants in the global oilfield surfactants market are:
• LIBRA SPECIALITY CHEMICALS LIMITED
• Schlumberger Limited
• 3M Company
• BASF SE
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Croda International PLC
• Evonik Industries AG
• Lubrizol Corporation
• Sasol Limited
• Oxiteno USA LLC among others
The global Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) market size varies based on different reports, but here are
some estimates:
1. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global EOR market was valued at USD 38.83
billion in 2021. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from
2022 to 2030. Factors driving this growth include an increasing number of aged wells and
decreasing production from existing oilfields1.
2. Another study by Vantage Market Research suggests that the EOR market is valued at USD 46.2
billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 73.2 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR
of 6.8% between 2023 and 20302.
3. Additionally, Allied Market Research estimates the global chemical EOR market size to be $0.9
billion in 2021, with a projected growth to $1.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2022 to
20313.
4. Lastly, Adroit Market Research states that the global enhanced oil recovery market was valued
around USD 98.08 billion and is projected to witness significant growth with a CAGR
of 8.3% over the forecast period4.
Keep in mind that these figures represent different perspectives and methodologies, but they all
highlight the substantial market potential for EOR technologies.
1. Global Oil Spill Management Market:
o The global oil spill management market size was estimated at USD 125.6 billion in 2022.
o It is projected to grow to USD 129.8 billion by 2023, exhibiting a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2023 to 20301.
o Factors driving this growth include increasing safety concerns, rising oil spill incidents
globally, and growth in onshore and offshore drilling activities1.
2. Surfactants and Oil Spill Cleanup:
o Surfactants play a vital role in cleaning applications, including oil spill cleanup.
o
They are added to cleaning agents (such as detergents) due to their properties as
dispersing agents, wetting agents, and emulsifiers.
o In oil spill response, surfactants help break down oil slicks into smaller droplets, making
them easier to disperse and degrade naturally.
o Microbes also produce natural surfactants that show promise for use in oil spill cleanup
due to their effectiveness, easy disintegration in the environment, and low toxicity2.
3. Market Impact Amid COVID-19:
o The pandemic led to increased awareness of hygiene and cleanliness.
o The household care industry expanded rapidly, driving sales of cleaning products.
o Growing consumption of products like hand sanitizers and disinfectants contributed to
the demand for surfactants3.
4. Market Projections:
o The global surfactants market size was USD 39.42 billion in 2020.
o It is projected to reach USD 57.81 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the
period from 2021 to 20283.
In summary, surfactants are essential for oil spill cleanup, and their market size continues to grow
globally. As awareness of hygiene and environmental safety increases, the demand for surfactants is
expected to rise further
Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR)
MEOR is a tertiary oil recovery method that harnesses the power of indigenous microbial species. These
microbes produce secondary metabolites that enhance oil recovery through various mechanisms,
including plugging, viscosity reduction, and interfacial tension modification
Market Size and Projections
The global MEOR market is on an upward trajectory:
•
•
In 2022, the MEOR market size stands at USD 926.1 million.
By 2031, it is projected to reach USD 2481.44 million with a remarkable CAGR of 11.6% during
the forecast period3.
MEOR holds promise as an environmentally friendly and innovative approach to enhancing oil recovery.
As we continue to explore microbial interactions, the future of MEOR looks bright!
SAUDI MARKET FOR OIL AND GAS SURFACTANTS
Saudi Arabia, a major player in the oil industry, has been actively exploring Enhanced Oil Recovery
(EOR) methods to optimize oil production. Let’s delve into the use of surfactants in EOR and Saudi
Arabia’s efforts:
1. Saudi Aramco’s R&D Efforts:
o Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company, has launched an ambitious research and
development (R&D) program to increase the oil recovery factor from major reservoirs.
o Their goal is to raise the current recovery rate of 50% to an impressive 70%.
o The company emphasizes high-impact technologies, focusing on long-range strategies
rather than incremental enhancements.
o Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Center Advanced Research Center (Expec
ARC), Saudi Aramco’s R&D arm, is actively involved in research projects related to
improved-oil-recovery and enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) methods1.
2. Surfactants in EOR:
o Surfactants play a crucial role in EOR by altering interfacial tension between oil and
water, mobilizing trapped oil, and improving oil recovery.
o Saudi Aramco’s efforts have primarily centered around two EOR methods:
▪ CO2 EOR: This method is applicable to light-oil carbonate and sandstone
reservoirs. Researchers have conducted experiments and field tests to optimize
CO2 injection.
▪ Chemical EOR: The focus here is on finding surfactants and polymers that can
tolerate Saudi Arabian reservoir conditions (salinity and temperature).
▪ The surfactant recovery project aims to develop stable nanoparticles capable of
delivering solvents deep within the reservoir.
▪ Additionally, they explore smartwater flooding, which leverages ions at a
microscopic scale to enhance oil recovery without significant investment1.
3. Market Insights:
o The Saudi Arabia Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) & Improved Oil Recovery
(IOR) market is witnessing growth due to advanced chemical techniques.
o Methods like polymer and surfactant flooding contribute to increased oil production
and recovery rates2.
In summary, Saudi Arabia is actively researching and implementing EOR strategies, including the use of
surfactants, to optimize oil recovery from its reservoirs.
The Surfactant EOR market in Saudi Arabia is witnessing substantial growth due to its application in
enhancing oil recovery in mature reservoirs. Surfactants play a crucial role by increasing the efficiency of
oil displacement within reservoirs. Let’s explore further:
1. Market Overview:
o The surfactant EOR market in Saudi Arabia is expanding, driven by the need for
advanced technologies to optimize oil production.
o Surfactant-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are utilized to increase oil
production from mature oil fields.
o With Saudi Arabia being a major oil producer, the demand for surfactant EOR is on the
rise1.
2. Key Players:
o Notable players in the Saudi Arabia surfactant EOR market include:
▪
▪
▪
Schlumberger Limited
Halliburton Company
Baker Hughes, a GE company
o These companies offer surfactants for improving oil recovery in enhanced oil extraction
processes1.
3. Market Size and Forecast:
o While specific import quantities are not publicly disclosed, the overall market size for
surfactant EOR in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow.
o Detailed data on the exact value of surfactants imported specifically to Saudi Arabia is
not readily available in the provided sources.
o However, the market outlook remains positive, driven by ongoing efforts to maximize oil
extraction and reservoir management1.
In summary, the surfactant EOR market in Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, with key players
contributing to advancements in oil recovery techniques.
The specific quantity of surfactants supplied by Schlumberger Limited to Saudi Aramco is not publicly
disclosed in the provided sources. However, I can share some relevant information about their
collaboration and efforts in the oil industry:
1. Collaboration for Sustainability Solutions:
o Schlumberger and Aramco have announced plans to collaborate and develop a digital
platform that provides sustainability solutions for hard-to-abate industrial sectors.
o The proposed platform aims to enable companies in industries such as oil and gas,
chemicals, utilities, cement, and steel to collect, measure, report, and verify their
emissions while evaluating different decarbonization pathways1.
o While this collaboration focuses on sustainability, it does not specify the exact volume
of surfactants supplied.
2. Other Collaborations:
o Schlumberger has been awarded contracts by Saudi Aramco for various projects,
including integrated stimulation technology and services for unconventional gas
resources2.
o Additionally, they have received a major contract for integrated drilling and well
construction services in a gas drilling project3.
3. Research and Development Efforts:
o Saudi Aramco actively invests in research and development (R&D) to increase oil
recovery.
o They explore various technologies, including surfactants, to optimize oil production from
reservoirs4.
In summary, while the specific surfactant supply volume remains undisclosed, both companies continue
to collaborate and innovate in the energy industry
Halliburton Company, a prominent provider of products and services to the energy industry, has been
actively involved in various collaborations and initiatives related to oilfield specialty chemicals and
enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in Saudi Arabia. Here are some relevant points:
1. Halliburton Chemical Reaction Plant:
o In March 2022, Halliburton celebrated the opening of the Halliburton Chemical
Reaction Plant in Saudi Arabia. This facility is the first of its kind in the country and is
designed to manufacture a broad range of chemicals for the entire oil and gas value
chain, as well as other industries.
o The plant strengthens Halliburton’s ability to serve the chemical needs of Middle East
customers and expands its manufacturing footprint in the Eastern Hemisphere.
o The facility allows Halliburton to enhance its specialty chemicals research and
applications for oilfield stimulation and production. It also serves the region’s industrial
water and process treatment markets1.
2. Collaboration with Sadara Chemical Company:
o The inauguration of the Halliburton Chemical Reaction Plant aligns with the vision for
downstream industries in PlasChem Park.
o Sadara Chemical Company CEO, Dr. Faisal Al-Faqeer, emphasized the importance of
combining global expertise with special chemicals produced by Sadara for the benefit of
local, regional, and global markets1.
3. Contract Awards and Services:
o Halliburton has signed contracts with Saudi Aramco for various projects, including
unconventional gas stimulation services and integrated drilling and well construction
services.
o These contracts demonstrate Halliburton’s commitment to supporting Saudi Aramco’s
oil and gas operations23.
While specific details about the exact volume of surfactants supplied by Halliburton to Saudi Aramco are
not publicly disclosed, their collaboration and contributions to the energy industry remain significant.
Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company, has been actively involved in various collaborations
and initiatives related to the oil industry in Saudi Arabia. While specific details about the exact volume
of surfactants supplied by Baker Hughes to Saudi Aramco are not publicly disclosed, here are some
relevant points:
1. Oilfield Services Regional Hub at SPARK:
o Baker Hughes celebrated the commencement of construction of its Oilfield Services
(OFS) regional hub located at King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) in Saudi Arabia.
o The facility, spanning 300,000 square meters, will support Baker Hughes’ OFS
operations and customers across the Middle East.
o It is the largest assembly, maintenance, and overhaul hub for Baker Hughes’ Oilfield
Services business in the Eastern Hemisphere.
o The hub will be home to more than 600 employees, with 70% being Saudi nationals. It is
expected to include 120 newly created jobs by the time it opens in late 20221.
2. Collaboration with Saudi Aramco:
o Baker Hughes’ investment in SPARK aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision to position itself as
a global energy, industrial, and technology hub.
o
The facility’s ecosystem aims to capture the full economic value from energy-related
goods and services, contributing significantly to the Saudi GDP and creating jobs1.
3. Other Collaborations:
o In the past, Saudi Aramco has awarded contracts to Baker Hughes for projects related
to enhanced production at gas fields2.
o Additionally, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a joint
venture facility in Saudi Arabia for manufacturing non-metallic materials used in the
energy industry3.
While specific surfactant supply quantities remain confidential, Baker Hughes continues to play a
significant role in supporting Saudi Aramco’s oil and gas operation
Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE) and Saudi Aramco have collaborated on various initiatives related
to the energy industry. While specific details about the exact volume of surfactants exported by BHGE to
Saudi Aramco are not publicly disclosed, here are some relevant points:
1. Joint Venture Facility for Non-Metallic Materials:
o In 2019, Saudi Aramco and BHGE signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to
create a new joint venture facility in Saudi Arabia.
o The purpose of this facility is to manufacture non-metallic materials that will be used in
various areas of the energy industry.
o The focus on non-metallic materials aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of
operational assets by reducing the effects of corrosion.
o Initially, the joint venture will concentrate on producing non-metallic reinforced
thermoplastic pipes as a critical step toward developing such capabilities in Saudi
Arabia1.
2. Saudi Aramco’s Vision and BHGE’s Support:
o Saudi Aramco has successfully deployed over 5,000 kilometers of non-metallic pipes,
resulting in increased efficiency and reduced maintenance and replacement costs across
its operations.
o Producing these materials within the Kingdom also creates opportunities for local
manufacturers and facilitates knowledge transfer.
o BHGE’s CEO, Neil Saunders, expressed their commitment to supporting innovation and
manufacturing in Saudi Arabia1.
3. Non-Metallic Applications:
o Non-metallic materials find applications in various industries, including oil and gas,
construction, automotive, packaging, and renewable energy.
o Products such as flowlines, downhole production tubing, vessels, pumps, and cooling
towers are manufactured from non-metallic materials like plastic, carbon fiber, and
glass fiber1.
In summary, while specific export quantities remain confidential, the collaboration between BHGE and
Saudi Aramco continues to drive advancements in non-metallic technologies for the energy sector.
Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, plays a significant role in the global
energy landscape. While specific data on the exact volume of surfactants utilized by Saudi Aramco yearly
is not readily available, I can provide relevant insights based on their operations:
1. Oil Production:
o In 2022, Saudi Aramco reported a crude oil production volume of 11.5 million barrels
per day1.
o Their oil production capacity remains substantial, contributing significantly to global oil
supply.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG):
o Saudi Aramco’s total GHG emissions increased by 6% in 2021.
o Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources) accounted
for 76% of their total GHG emissions in 20212.
o The company has also invested in clean energy projects, such as the Sudair Solar PV
project, which can produce 1.5 GW of clean energy2.
3. Non-Metallic Solutions:
o Saudi Aramco collaborates with Baker Hughes in a joint venture called Novel NonMetallic Solutions. This venture aims to develop and commercialize a broad range of
non-metallic products3.
o While this doesn’t directly address surfactants, it highlights their commitment to
innovation and sustainability.
In summary, while specific surfactant utilization figures are not disclosed, Saudi Aramco’s extensive oil
production and efforts toward cleaner energy demonstrate their significant impact on the global energy
sector.
The global consumption of oil and gas surfactants varies based on different factors and time periods.
Let’s explore some relevant data:
1. Global Oil Consumption:
o In 2022, the world consumed approximately 92.2 million barrels per day (b/d) of
petroleum and other liquid fuels1.
o This figure includes both crude oil and refined products used for various purposes.
2. Crude Oil Demand:
o The global demand for crude oil (including biofuels) in 2023 amounted to 102.21
million barrels per day.
o Economic activity and related oil demand are expected to pick up by the end of the year,
with forecasts suggesting it could increase to more than 104 million barrels per day2.
3. Projected Oil Consumption:
o According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global oil consumption is projected
to reach 104.1 million barrels per day by 2026.
o This represents an increase of 4.4 million barrels per day from 2019 levels3.
In summary, the consumption of oil and gas surfactants worldwide is closely tied to overall oil demand,
economic activity, and energy needs.