Collapsible Fuel Bladder Market

Market Overview

The Global Collapsible Fuel Bladder Market size Will significantly Grow At a CAGR of 8.7% By the Forecast Period

Collapsible fuel bladders, also commonly referred to as collapsible fuel tanks, are temporary storage systems made from synthetic coated fabrics such as nylon, using advanced manufacturing methods like radio frequency welding. These systems are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide fuel storage in remote locations from the arctic to the desert.

Collapsible fuel bladders are safer and more cost-effective in comparison to drums and steel tank storage. Moreover, as these systems are collapsible, they create less shipping volume and weight, resulting in lower shipping costs. Additionally, as these systems are compatible with a wide variety of engine fuels and have a service life double as compared to the traditional storage system, they are being deployed in the areas of remote site construction projects, helicopter bases, and mining sites. Furthermore, the site operators are now more focused on the adaptation of these storage systems in the fields as these systems have higher reusability and can help in cleaning up the contamination site by abandoning fuel drums.

Rapid industrialization, rising international trade and globalization, increasing demand for LNG as fuel across the transportation sector, and growing global security concerns are the primary factors likely to increase the demand for the collapsible fuel market during the forthcoming years.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific’s Military Modernization Initiatives Drives the Market Growth

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest and the fastest-growing market for the collapsible fuel bladder market during the forecast period. The rapid industrialization, economic growth, rising territorial dispute, and military modernization initiatives are expected to be the primary drivers for the growth of the collapsible fuel bladder market. In light of the looming uncertainty concerning international security, the region is focusing on strengthening its defense sector, which has engendered a need for military equipment in the region. This growth is further expected to increase in the upcoming years. Countrywise, China spends more on its military, followed by India and Japan, respectively. For instance, according to the European Union, in 2018, China’s military expenditure was to the tune of USD 250 billion, an 83% increase in spending compared to 2009.

Additionally, the marine industry of the region also significantly contributes to the collapsible fuel bladder market. The shipbuilding industry also contributes to the economy of the Asian countries, owing to the presence of prominent market players and major ports. The industry also plays a significant role in international trade; as a result, the regional government continuously focuses on improving its marine sector. For instance, the Government of India has allowed foreign direct investment of up to 100% under the automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbors. Such initiatives are further expected to fuel the growth of the marine industry, consequently boosting the collapsible fuel bladder market. The marine industry in the region is led by countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan. China is the world’s top shipbuilder, accounting for around 40% of global ship orders.

Figure 1: Top Shipbuilding Countries, in 2019 (%)

North America’s Surging Military Spending

The rising geopolitical tension and escalating dispute among various economies have put the countries on their defense mode, owing to which they are focusing on strengthening military and defense systems. Additionally, the initiatives have been taken by government organizations to minimize the terrorist activities across the globe; as a result, various economies around the world are necessarily investing in next-generation technology, missiles, space, and cyber capabilities.

In North America, the U.S. is the world’s largest defense spender in the world. In 2019, the global budget spending rose by 4% as compared to 2018. But the U.S. defense spending was increased by 6.6% for the same year. In 2019, the U.S. spent USD 684.6 billion on its defense, which is around four times the amount spent by the second-largest defense spender China. The resurgence of ISIS and an increase in VA and FBI funding are among some of the primary concerns, owing to which the country is has scaled up its defense budget consecutively in the last five years. This spending on the defense is further likely to grow in the forthcoming years. Thus, it can be expected that this increase in the spending of military and defense will also boost the growth of the collapsible fuel bladder market.

Figure 2: Defense Spending: Top five economies in 2019

Segmental Analysis

Rising Demand for Polyurethane-Made Collapsible Fuel Bladder

By fabric material, the polyurethane segment holds a considerable share in the global collapsible fuel bladder market. This is attributed due to the substantial demand for polyurethane-made collapsible fuel bladder across the military and defense sector. The polyurethane fabric consists of polyester or nylon-woven fabric, which is coated with polyurethane rubber on both sides to create a rubber composite. This gives the bladder additional tensile strength, tear strength, and resistance toward puncture. As a result, they are preferred over their counterpart fuel bladders such as urethane-coated fabrics and Nitrile thermoset rubber-coated fabrics.

Extensive Application of Fuel Bladders in the Military and Defense Sector

By application, the military and defense segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. In the military and defense sector, collapsible fuel bladders are used in various applications such as military water storage, military oil and water storage, military pumping systems, and military onion tanks. Countries such as the U.S., Russia, and Germany are focusing on upgrading their future technologies to further modernize their military power. Countries such as China and India are also focusing on spending more on their defense and security to be on the same page with the other developing economies. This has boosted the growth of the defense sector all across the globe. Thus, also leading to the growth of the fuel bladder market.