Staying Nimble in the 2026 Oil & Gas Market with VpCI® Preservation
January 9, 2026
It is difficult to stay nimble in an ever-changing oil and gas (O&G) market. With some 2026 outlooks expecting limited growth in demand and higher supply, O&G companies may pull back on drilling and production. However, fluctuating policies and international events could change the landscape at any time. Unfortunately for O&G companies, the industry’s large scale means that small changes have drastic impacts that are difficult to respond to quickly. While no perfect solution exists, the right corrosion protection strategy can go a long way toward reducing losses from unpredictable market swings.
Preserve Asset Value with Corrosion Prevention#
By the time a multi-year greenfield drilling project is finished, the market may no longer be profitable, leaving brand new equipment sitting idle in a corrosive environment, at risk for corrosion damage by the time startup can be justified. Existing oil rigs face a similar challenge with older equipment that will deteriorate if decommissioned without proper preservation. By taking practical steps to prevent corrosion, O&G companies can keep equipment in like-new, working order so that rigs can start up without corrosion delays when the market becomes more profitable.
Minimize Startup Time with the Right Preservation Plan#
The preservation method is also critical. Traditional methods of corrosion protection may rely on greasy rust preventatives that are difficult to remove, dehumidification systems that can fail, and expensive nitrogen blanketing that must be completely reapplied in the event of a leak. In contrast, Cortec® corrosion solutions are relatively easy to apply, require little monitoring, and allow a speedy return to service. VpCI® emitters and fogging fluids can be dosed based on internal volumes, taking the guesswork out of protecting intricate voids thanks to corrosion-inhibiting vapor diffusion. On the outside, VpCI®-126 HP UV Shrink Film and MilCorr® VpCI® Shrink Film keep Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors trapped inside the protective package and provide a durable surface for outdoor conditions. When equipment is needed for a market upturn, the packaging film and emitters can be quickly removed, leaving equipment ready for a speedy startup.
Be Ready for 2026 Market Swings#
Whether the 2026 O&G market encourages more decommissioning or suddenly swings toward higher demand, VpCI® preservation solutions can help O&G companies respond more quickly to market changes by preserving equipment in ready-to-use condition for the next upturn. Contact Cortec® for more ideas on staying nimble in the 2026 O&G market. Keywords: oil & gas market 2026, VpCI, preservation, oil & gas industry trends, energy market outlook, market agility, oil and gas asset preservation, corrosion protection solutions, Cortec, turnarounds and shutdownsPDFclick here®
