Cathodic Protection Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Type:

Based on type, the market is categorized into galvanic and impressed current.

Trends in the Type:

• The growing trend for scalable and customizable protection systems is influencing the use of impressed current systems.

The impressed current segment accounted for the largest cathodic protection market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• The impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is a flexible technique.
• The ICCP technique uses an external power source. This source drives the current through the structure. This makes the structure cathodic and prevents corrosion.
• It uses anodes that are made from materials such as mixed metal oxide, titanium, or graphite.
• ICCP is mainly used for large or more complex systems. They include large pipelines, large marine vessels, and underground storage tanks.
• For instance, in December 2021, Structural Technologies introduced ElectroTechCP ICCP System. The system offers controlled power and monitoring. They provide precise levels of protective current. The current is applied to concrete and embedded steel.
• Thus, the growing use of ICCP at present and in the coming years is driving the cathodic protection market trends.

By Application:

Based on application, the market is categorized into pipelines, marine structures, storage tanks, offshore platforms, reinforced concrete structures, and others.

Trends in Application:

• Pipelines are introduced in more remote and harsh environments. This leads to the implementation of more efficient protection solutions.
• Rise in the exploration of deep-water oil fields influences the use of effective protection systems.

The pipeline segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.

• Pipelines are highly susceptible to corrosion. This is because of their long length, exposure to various environments, and the nature of the fluids they transport.
• Pipelines carry oil, gas, and water among other substances. This makes them vulnerable to both internal and external and internal corrosion.
• The CP uses anodes or impressed current systems to reduce the risk of corrosion.
• New maintenance projects are introduced for gas pipelines.
• In July 2024, Applus+ started a new project for transportation of gas in Brazil. The project focuses on the measurement, inspection, and maintenance of gas pipeline. They maintenance is done to ensure the integrity of the cathodic protection system.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, the application of this technique in pipelines is influencing the segment trends.

The marine structures segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Marine structures consist of piers, docks, ships, and others. These structures are constantly exposed to high corrosive environments.
• The varying microbial activity, and oxygen causes corrosion to the marine structure.
• To prevent corrosion, CP is used for these structures. Galvanic and impressed current are used to lessen these conditions.
• Galvanic systems are composed of zinc or aluminum alloy that offers a continuous protective current.
• For large and more complex structure, impressed current systems are used. They are utilized to provide uniform distribution of the current and sustained protection.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, the use of these systems is driving the segment.

By End User:

Based on end user, the market is categorized into oil & gas, marine, chemical processing, infrastructure, power generation, and others.

Trends in the End User:

• The rise in the demand for oil & gas transport, and adoption of smart monitoring systems, is influencing the segment.
• Increase in shipping and maritime trade influences the adoption of advanced protection solutions.

The oil & gas segment accounted for the largest market share of 38.77% in the year 2024.

• Onshore and offshore operations rely on CP to protect pipelines, storage tanks, well casings, and platform structures from degradation.
• The aggressive nature of oil and gas environments, characterized by varying soil chemistries, and the presence of corrosive fluids, requires robust systems.
• Sacrificial anode uses reactive metals like zinc or aluminum, providing localized protection by corroding in place of the protected structure.
• For larger or more complex solutions, impressed current systems employ rectifiers and inert anodes to deliver a controlled electrical current.
• The rise in extraction and production of oil and gas influences the use of these techniques.
• For instance, in 2023, the data by EIA, in 2024 states that the United States observed a rise in both oil and natural gas production. Oil production reached an average of 13.3 million barrels per day, while natural gas production (gross withdrawals) averaged 128.8 billion cubic feet per day.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, the rise in production and extraction of oil and gas is influencing the segment

The marine segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Ships, offshore vessels, and port infrastructure are constantly exposed to electrolytes that accelerate electrochemical degradation.
• CP systems are utilized to reduce the risk of corrosion.
• Regular inspections, potential surveys, and anode replacements are conducted to maintain the effectiveness of the systems.
• This is extending the lifespan of marine assets and minimizing the potential for costly repairs or environmental damage.
• The system is also used to protect port structures such as piers, docks, and pipelines, ensuring their longevity and operational safety.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, these factors are influencing the segment trends and demand in the coming years.