The global pressure vessels market is poised to expand by USD 43.8 billion between 2023 and 2028, advancing at a CAGR of 4.37%, fueled by growing demand in water treatment and nuclear energy.In this 2025 Outlook, we dissect the dynamics, opportunities, and strategic imperatives shaping the pressure vessels market — a foundational sector underpinning industrial infrastructure, energy generation, and clean water initiatives worldwide. As industries pivot toward safer, more efficient fluid containment systems, the role of pressure vessels becomes not only functional but indispensable.From expert predictions and segment analysis to regional growth trends and evolving material preferences, this Comprehensive Guide delivers data-driven insights, real-world applications, and strategic foresight for manufacturers, investors, and engineers operating in this critical market space.
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Get more details by ordering the complete report
For more details about the industry, get the PDF sample report for free
Get more details by ordering the complete report
“Pressure vessels have become the silent workhorses behind global energy and water systems. Their ability to safely contain pressurized fluids and gases is not just an engineering feat — it's a societal necessity,” says Dr. Neha Raman, an industrial process equipment specialist.
The mounting global demand for clean water, nuclear energy, and industrial process optimization is driving a new era for pressure vessels. Traditionally used in power plants and chemical processing, their role has expanded to carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and sustainable cargo handling, marking a shift in both utility and innovation.
With rising urbanization and stricter environmental regulations, governments and industries are investing heavily in wastewater treatment infrastructure. Pressure vessels form the backbone of filtration systems, enabling safe, high-pressure operations in both potable water and industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
Strategic Takeaway:
Companies aligning their pressure vessel designs with modular, scalable, and corrosion-resistant technologies are best positioned to benefit from long-term infrastructure investments.
As decarbonization accelerates, nuclear power is regaining strategic favor, especially in Asia and Europe. Nuclear reactors rely on pressure vessels to contain radioactive materials and maintain coolant flow under extreme conditions.
“Nuclear-grade pressure vessels must meet the highest regulatory standards. This demand is reshaping material science and engineering practices across the sector,” notes Arvind Kapoor, Senior Materials Engineer at Atomic Energy Corporation.
Notable Applications:
Reactors
Heat Exchangers
Flash Drums
Unfired/Fired Pressure Systems
The energy transition is not just about renewables — it’s also about managing emissions. In December 2024, Hexagon Composites launched a composite pressure vessel designed for hydrogen storage, reflecting the growing role of vessels in alternative fuel systems.
Mini Case Study – Carbon Capture in Action
In November 2024, Air Products formed a strategic alliance to develop specialized pressure vessels for carbon capture and storage (CCS). The vessels are engineered to contain compressed CO₂ at supercritical pressures, enabling safe underground storage and reducing industrial emissions.
From stainless steel and Monel to fluoropolymer and carbon fiber, the material landscape is evolving. High-performance alloys like Incoloy, Hastelloy, and Carpenter alloy dominate nuclear and chemical applications, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and longevity.
Chemicals (Largest Segment): Valued at USD 59.10 billion in 2018 and growing steadily.
Power Generation: Key applications include reactors, boilers, and heat exchangers.
Oil & Gas: High-pressure containment in volatile environments, though investment volatility remains a concern.
Boilers: Central to energy conversion in thermal and nuclear facilities.
Separators & Reactors: Widely used in refining, chemical processing, and water treatment.
Fired Pressure Vessels: Utilized in combustion-based systems.
Unfired Pressure Vessels: Common in nuclear, refrigeration, and filtration systems.
Market Research Overview
The pressure vessels market is witnessing robust growth driven by rising demand across diverse industries including power generation, oil refining, and chemical processing. Key components such as industrial boilers, heat exchangers, chemical reactors, and storage tanks form the backbone of various processing operations. With the increasing need for efficient gas storage, gas cylinders and nuclear reactors are seeing enhanced deployment. Additionally, advancements in materials—such as carbon fiber and stainless steel—have propelled the adoption of composite vessels and titanium vessels due to their superior strength and corrosion resistance. The development of cryogenic tanks, high-pressure tanks, and low-pressure tanks has enabled safe containment of CNG cylinders, LNG storage, and hydrogen storage applications. Emerging requirements in sectors like petrochemical production and ammonia tanks usage have further stimulated the demand for pressure vessels. This surge is supported by the growing utility of refinery equipment in thermal power generation and water treatment projects
Fluctuations in crude oil prices have led to investment hesitancy, especially in upstream projects. This directly affects the demand for boilers and unfired vessels in the petroleum sector.
Global standards such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, EN 13445, and AD 2000 Merkblatt W0 necessitate high technical conformity. While these regulations ensure safety, they can slow innovation and increase time-to-market.
As clean energy technologies advance, pressure vessels will play a pivotal role in:
Hydrogen fuel infrastructure
Next-gen nuclear systems (SMRs)
Advanced desalination and water recovery plants
The emphasis will increasingly shift from cost efficiency to lifecycle value, with smart sensors and predictive maintenance becoming standard features.
Invest in material innovation: Focus on corrosion resistance and weight reduction.
Target APAC partnerships: Tap into fast-growing industrial economies.
Align with clean energy applications: Position for hydrogen, CCS, and nuclear systems.
Prioritize compliance engineering: Streamline certification pathways to reduce delays.
Research Analysis Overview
A closer examination of the market reveals the increasing integration of pressure vessels in wastewater management, gas processing, and fuel processing industries. Pharmaceutical vessels and food processing units are also relying heavily on pressure containers for regulated and sterile environments. The beverage industry is adopting advanced vessel types such as Type 3 tanks, Type 4 tanks, and Type 5 tanks for enhanced operational safety and durability. Additionally, autoclave vessels, distillation columns, and separation vessels are critical in specialized chemical and industrial operations. The importance of fluid handling and heat transfer systems has led to the evolution of reactor vessels and modern boiler systems, which in turn support greater efficiency. Materials like alloy steel are widely utilized in the construction of industrial tanks, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with stringent industry standards. Collectively, process vessels and other tailored solutions underscore the market’s emphasis on precision, safety, and technological innovation in pressure containment systems.
The pressure vessels market stands at the intersection of industrial safety, environmental sustainability, and engineering excellence. With USD 43.8 billion in growth potential through 2028, the winners will be those who innovate boldly, manufacture smartly, and align strategically with evolving global priorities.
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