Marine Adhesive Market- Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented by Resin Type (Epoxy, Silicon, Polyurethane, Acrylic, and Other), By Application (Deck Systems, Glazing, Panel Bonding, and Others), By Substrate (Plastic, Composite, Metals, and Others), By End Use (Cargo Ships, Passenger ships, Boat, and Other), By Region and competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 515.11 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	3.77%
Fastest Growing Segment	Plastic
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 643.18 Million

Market Overview

The Global Marine Adhesive Market is projected to grow from USD 515.11 Million in 2025 to USD 643.18 Million by 2031 at a 3.77% CAGR. Marine adhesives are specialized bonding agents formulated to withstand rigorous aquatic environments, including saltwater immersion and high pressure, while ensuring the structural integrity of watercraft and offshore installations. The Global Marine Adhesive Market is primarily propelled by the escalating demand for lightweight vessels to enhance fuel economy and the continuous expansion of international seaborne trade which necessitates durable fleet maintenance solutions. According to BIMCO, in 2025, global ship demand growth was projected to increase to between 4.5 and 5.5 percent, indicating a robust requirement for manufacturing and repair materials within the maritime sector.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion involves the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for petrochemical inputs required for epoxy and polyurethane production. This cost instability complicates financial planning for manufacturers and creates pricing pressures that may deter buyers in the shipbuilding industry who are sensitive to fluctuating operational expenses.

Key Market Drivers

The Expansion of the Global Commercial Shipbuilding Industry acts as the primary catalyst for market growth, necessitating extensive volumes of structural adhesives for hull assembly, deck-to-hull bonding, and interior outfitting. This surge in manufacturing output is directly correlated with the need to support increasing international cargo movements, which places rigorous durability requirements on fleet materials used in high-stress aquatic environments. To support this rising logistics demand, according to UNCTAD, October 2024, in the 'Review of Maritime Transport 2024', global maritime trade volume was projected to grow by 2 percent for the year, driving fleet renewal and expansion efforts across major manufacturing hubs. Consequently, shipyards have ramped up production to meet these needs, with adhesive consumption scaling alongside record-breaking vessel contracts. According to Clarksons Research, December 2025, in the 'World Fleet Monitor', the global shipbuilding orderbook climbed to a fifteen-year high of 316 million gross tons, signaling a sustained trajectory of heavy industrial consumption for marine-grade bonding agents.

Concurrently, the Rising Demand for Recreational Vessels and Luxury Yachts is significantly influencing market dynamics, particularly for high-value, aesthetic-focused adhesive formulations used in glazing and teak decking. This sector prioritizes seamless finishing and weight reduction, prompting manufacturers to utilize advanced composites that rely on specialized chemical bonding rather than mechanical fasteners to maintain sleek exterior profiles. The resilience of this segment is evident in the continued investment in larger, more voluminous projects which require substantial quantities of engineering adhesives for structural integrity and vibration dampening. According to Boat International, December 2024, in the 'Global Order Book 2025', the total gross tonnage of superyachts under construction or on order increased by 5.3 percent to 577,482 gross tons, underscoring the critical role of premium bonding technologies in the modern leisure craft manufacturing pipeline.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial volatility of raw material prices, particularly for petrochemical inputs essential to the production of epoxy and polyurethane, stands as a critical barrier to the expansion of the Global Marine Adhesive Market. These adhesive formulations rely heavily on feedstocks derived from crude oil and natural gas, making manufacturers highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets. When feedstock costs rise unexpectedly, adhesive producers are forced to increase prices or absorb the variance, which disrupts long-term contracts and complicates budget forecasting for maritime stakeholders. This unpredictability creates a hesitant purchasing environment where shipbuilders and offshore operators may delay non-critical maintenance or seek lower-quality alternatives to manage their operational expenditures.

The impact of this cost instability is further magnified by regional pricing disparities that distort competition and supply chain efficiency. Energy costs, which are a major component of petrochemical production, have shown significant divergence across key manufacturing hubs. According to the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), during the first half of 2025, natural gas prices in Europe persisted at levels three times higher than those in the United States. This severe imbalance places immense upward pressure on production costs for European adhesive manufacturers, reducing their competitiveness and potentially stalling projects that rely on affordable, high-volume material procurement. Such economic friction directly impedes the steady growth of the marine adhesive sector by introducing financial risk that buyers are increasingly unwilling to bear.

Key Market Trends

The transition to bio-based and low-VOC formulations is reshaping the competitive landscape of the market, driven by stringent decarbonization mandates rather than simple volume demand. As maritime stakeholders face increasing pressure from regulatory frameworks like the expanded EU Emissions Trading System, there is a concerted move to reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint of vessel construction through "green" chemistry. Manufacturers are responding by engineering bonding agents that substitute fossil-fuel derivatives with renewable feedstocks, thereby decoupling production from volatile petrochemical markets while meeting new environmental compliance standards. This strategic pivot toward sustainability is evident in recent product innovations; according to Henkel, March 2025, in the 'Sustainability Report 2024', the company successfully introduced a new adhesive formulation containing at least 49 percent bio-based raw materials, underscoring the industry's commitment to reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

Simultaneously, a fundamental shift from mechanical fasteners to structural bonding is gaining momentum in the commercial and industrial marine sectors, fueled by the need for superior fatigue resistance and production efficiency. Unlike the aesthetic priorities seen in the luxury yacht segment, this trend in commercial shipping focuses on eliminating the stress concentrations and corrosion points associated with drilling and welding, thereby extending the operational lifespan of heavy-duty vessels. This approach also streamlines assembly processes, allowing for the effective joining of dissimilar materials which is critical for modern, hybrid-hull designs. The resilience of this technological adoption is reflected in financial performance; according to Gurit, August 2025, in the 'Half-Year Report 2025', the company’s Marine and Industrial segment achieved net sales of CHF 44.6 million, highlighting the sustained industrial demand for advanced bonding solutions that offer structural advantages over traditional fastening methods.

Segmental Insights

The Plastic segment is establishing itself as the fastest-growing category within the Global Marine Adhesive Market. This expansion is primarily driven by the maritime industry's increasing reliance on lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and payload capabilities. Shipbuilders are rapidly substituting traditional heavy metals with high-performance plastics to mitigate corrosion issues and lower vessel weight. Furthermore, stringent carbon emission mandates from the International Maritime Organization encourage the adoption of these lighter substrates to enhance energy efficiency. Consequently, demand is surging for specialized adhesives designed to create durable structural bonds for plastic components in harsh marine environments.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the Global Marine Adhesive Market, primarily driven by its status as the world's central hub for shipbuilding. Major industrial economies such as China, South Korea, and Japan collectively account for the largest share of global vessel production, generating substantial demand for adhesives in structural and deck applications. This leadership is reinforced by significant government investments in port modernization and the expanding offshore renewable energy sector. Additionally, the region’s high volume of maritime trade supports a steady aftermarket for vessel repair and maintenance, further solidifying market expansion.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Sika Corporation showcased its extensive portfolio of marine bonding and sealing solutions at the IBEX 2024 exhibition in Tampa, Florida. During the event, the company debuted Sikaflex-591, a new versatile hybrid sealant and adhesive designed for applications both above and below the waterline. This innovation was formulated to provide excellent UV stability and weathering resistance while being free from isocyanates and solvents, directly addressing the marine market's demand for durable and environmentally friendly products. The Vice President of Marketing at Sika Industry emphasized the company's dedication to providing professional-grade solutions for boat builders and repair specialists.
• In September 2024, BioBond Adhesives, Inc. announced the opening of its new headquarters and development laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana, to advance the commercialization of its bio-based product lines. The company focused on introducing plant-based, biodegradable adhesive and coating alternatives specifically designed to replace petrochemical-based options in the marine industry and other sectors. This strategic move aimed to address environmental concerns by offering solutions that eliminate microplastics and reduce volatile organic compounds. The CEO of BioBond noted that the new facility would leverage the local innovation ecosystem to accelerate the deployment of these sustainable marine adhesive technologies.
• In April 2024, Gurit highlighted its continued collaboration with Baltic Yachts by supplying a comprehensive composite materials package for the construction of the Baltic 68 Café Racer. This project utilized the company's advanced structural core materials and Spabond 540 adhesives, demonstrating the effectiveness of these bonding solutions in high-performance yacht building. The collaboration underscored the importance of reliable adhesive systems in ensuring the structural integrity and impact resistance of lightweight marine vessels. This development reinforced the company's long-standing relationship with the yacht builder and its commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for the global marine market.
• In January 2024, Scott Bader announced the commencement of production for its structural adhesives and gelcoats at a new £12.5 million manufacturing facility in Mocksville, North Carolina. This strategic expansion was established to meet the increasing demand within the North American market, specifically catering to the marine, renewables, and land transport sectors. The site enabled the company to manufacture its Crestabond range of primer-less structural adhesives locally, which significantly reduced lead times for its customers. The CEO of Scott Bader stated that the fully operational plant would increase the company’s global capacity and strengthen its ability to serve the region's composite and adhesive needs.

Key Market Players

• 3M Company
• Bostik SA
• Gurit AG
• H.B. Fuller Company
• Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
• Huntsman Corporation
• Illinois Tool Works
• Parson Adhesives Inc.
• Scott Bader Company Ltd.
• Sika AG

By Application	By Substrate	By End Use	By Region
Deck Systems Glazing Panel Bonding Others	Plastic Composite Metals Others	Cargo Ships Passenger ships Boat Other	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Marine Adhesive Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Marine Adhesive Market, By Application:

• Deck Systems
• Glazing
• Panel Bonding
• Others

• Marine Adhesive Market, By Substrate:

• Plastic
• Composite
• Metals
• Others

• Marine Adhesive Market, By End Use:

• Cargo Ships
• Passenger ships
• Boat
• Other

• Marine Adhesive Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE