High performance of directional drilling technique is projected to fuel the growth of the global Directional Drilling market at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published on the “Global Directional Drilling Market”.

The Directional Drilling Market is estimated to register a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.

MRFR recognizes the following companies as the key players in the global Directional Drilling market—Baker Hughes Incorporated (US), National Oilwell Varco (US), Weatherford International Plc. (Ireland), Schlumberger (US), Nabors Industries Ltd (US), Cathedral Energy Services Ltd (Canada), Jindal Drilling & Industries Ltd (India), Gyrodata Incorporated (US), Halliburton Company (US).

Directional Drilling Market Highlights

The global Directional Drilling market is accounted for to register a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 26,020.0 million by 2030.

Directional drilling is a drilling technique that allows wells to be drilled at an angle or curve rather than just vertically. Advances in technology and techniques have led to improvements in its cost effectiveness and ease of installation. Directional drilling can be used to access multiple reserves from a single drill pad, reducing the need for multiple vertical wells and minimizing the overall ecological footprint. 

This can lead to cost savings in terms of land use and environmental impact assessment. Directional wells provide access to reservoirs that are located beneath sensitive or populated areas without significantly disturbing the surface. This can lead to cost savings associated with land acquisition and surface infrastructure. By minimizing the need for vertical drilling through hard or abrasive formations, directional drilling can reduce wear and tear on drilling equipment, resulting in longer equipment life and lower maintenance costs. Directional drilling techniques can be integrated with reservoir management strategies to optimize production, improve recovery, and extend the economic life of a well or field.

Browse In-depth Details [Table of Content, List of Figures, List of Tables] of Directional Drilling Market Trends

Segment Analysis

The global Directional Drilling market has been segmented based on Well Type, Tool type, Technology, Application and Region.

The global Directional Drilling Market segmentation, based on Well Type has been segmented as Horizontal, Extended reach and Multilateral. Among these, the Horizontal segment is anticipated to dominate the global Directional Drilling market revenue through the projected period as estimated by MRFR analysts.

Directional drilling of the horizontal well type has a wide range of applications in various industries, especially in the oil and gas industry. This drilling technique involves drilling horizontally or at an angle in the reservoir, which can offer several advantages over traditional vertical drilling. Directional wells of the horizontal well type continue to play a key role in optimizing oil and gas production, increasing hydrocarbon recovery and solving problems associated with complex reservoirs and unconventional resources.

In the Tool type segment, the market is categorized as Logging-while drilling (LWD) and Measurements-while drilling (MWD). Out of which the Measurements-while drilling (MWD) segment held the maximum share in the base year market and is also expected to be holding a significant share in the forecasted period as well.  Measurements-while drilling (MWD) tools help identify potential collisions with existing wells or geological features in nearby areas. By monitoring the well's proximity to surrounding formations, drillers can take corrective action to prevent accidents.

The global Directional Drilling Market segmentation, based on Technology has been segmented as Rotary Steerable Systems and Downhole Motors. Among these, the Rotary Steerable Systems segment is anticipated to dominate the global Directional Drilling market. Rotary Steerable Systems technology is an advanced drilling technique used in directional drilling to increase the accuracy, efficiency and speed of well placement. Unlike traditional methods that rely on changing the angle of the drill bit to control the direction of the well, RSS technology enables smooth and precise control of the well.

In the Application segment, the market is categorized as Onshore and Offshore. Out of which the Onshore segment held the maximum share in the base year market and is also expected to be holding a significant share in the forecasted period as well.  The versatility of directional drilling makes it a valuable tool for optimizing production, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource recovery in a variety of onshore applications. Directional drilling is often used to optimize well placement in a reservoir. By drilling at an angle or horizontally, operators can access multiple parts of the tank from a single drill pad. This maximizes reservoir exposure and increases production rates by intersecting more productive zones.

Regional Analysis

By Region, the Directional Drilling market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The North America Directional Drilling market holds a considerable market share and is also forecasted to hold the largest share during the forecast period. The directional drilling market in North America is experiencing growth due to several factors that have contributed to the increased demand and adoption of this technology. The shift to unconventional resources, including tight oil and gas formations, requires advanced drilling techniques to efficiently access and extract resources. Directional wells are crucial for navigating complex and inhomogeneous reservoirs.

Key Findings of the Study

• The global Directional Drilling market is expected to reach USD 26,020.0 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period.


• The North America region accounted for the fastest-growing global market.


• Based on Well Type, the Horizontal segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2022.


• Based on Tool Type, the Measurements-while drilling (MWD) segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2022.


• Based on Technology, the Rotary Steerable Systems segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2022.


• Based on Application, the Onshore segment was attributed to holding the largest market in 2022.


• Baker Hughes Incorporated (US), National Oilwell Varco (US), Weatherford International Plc. (Ireland), Schlumberger (US), Nabors Industries Ltd (US), Cathedral Energy Services Ltd (Canada), Jindal Drilling & Industries Ltd (India), Gyrodata Incorporated (US), Halliburton Company (US) are the key market players.