Ulstein secures double OMS cable-layer build

The provider of subsea digital infrastructure, signed the contracts with Ulstein on 23 December 2025 as part of its fleet expansion strategy, responding to rising global demand for high-capacity submarine cable systems.

“This latest expansion reflects OMS Group’s clear strategic direction, to invest and build a future-ready fleet that underpins the rapidly expanding global digital economy,” said Datuk Lim Soon Foo, founder and chairman of OMS Group.

Purpose-built

The vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2028 and will be purpose-built to support complex marine construction activities while prioritising sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.

OMS Group said the newbuilds are intended to deliver superior installation performance with the lowest environmental impact available in the market, supporting the deployment of subsea networks at scale.

Ulstein will design the vessels based on the ULSTEIN SX252 platform, with construction and delivery planned from Ulstein Verft in 2028.

Each vessel will be 130 metres long and 22 metres wide, with a cable capacity of up to 6,500 tonnes and accommodation for 75 personnel. The design includes two large cable tanks, two spare-cable tanks, an enclosed cable deck hangar and a large open deck for ROVs and containers.

The vessels will also feature a 50-tonne A-frame with towing winch for ploughing operations.

Ulstein’s X-BOW design is intended to reduce vessel motion, limiting wear on cables and equipment while enhancing safety and operational reliability in demanding marine construction conditions.

Away from this contract, Ulstein is currently involved in a number of high profile cable lay vessel projects.

Late last year, the hull of the CLV Nexans Electra, the newbuild DP3 cable laying vessel for Nexans, was launched from the dock hall at Ulstein Verft, moving the project into its final construction stages.

This vessel is due for completion in spring 2026.