OMS Group Orders Two Ulstein Cable Layers to Meet Rising Demand

OMS Group has contracted Ulstein to design and build twocable layers to the Great-class, Ulstein SX252 design, with delivery expected in 2028, as demand rises for vessels to install telecommunications assets worldwide. This adds to a previous order for two subsea installation vessels OMS has under construction, asit strives to raise its capabilities while lowering emissions. “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 OMSchairman and founder Datuk Lim Soon Foo. “This reinforces our commitment to performance, sustainability, and operational excellence.” The two 130-m vessels will be built at UlsteinVerft and will have a beam of 22 m, a capacity of up to 6,500tonnes of cable and accommodationfor 75 workers. Featuring two large cable tanks, two spare-cable tanks and a hangar that encloses the cable deck, they have variable-speedgenerators and a 50-tonne A-frame with a towing winch for ploughing. On top of the hangar, therewill be a large open deck for remotely operated vehicles and containers. Ulstein Design & Solutions designed these vessels with an Ulstein X-Bow for stabilityand reduced motions, which enhances safety and operational capabilities in adverse weather and sea conditions, while lowering wear on cables and installation equipment. “With global connectivity demand accelerating, fleet capacity has become a critical constraint for the industry,” said OMS group chief executive Ronnie Lim. “These vessels significantly enhance our ability to execute complex submarine cable installations reliably and at scale, positioning OMS Group strongly for the next phase of global digital infrastructure growth.” OMS said this contract was awarded on 23 December 2025. In that month, Pacific Shipbuilding JSC started building two Great-class vessels at its facilities in Hai Phong, Vietnam. According to OMS, the keel was laid for CS Genesis and CS Triumph cablelayers. This class of vessel was developed in partnership with Royal IHC. These vessels will help OMS support complex, large-scale subsea installation projects and become more independent in its operations.