OMS Group has signed a contract with Norway’s Ulstein to design and build two new cable-laying vessels, expanding its subsea infrastructure fleet as demand for global connectivity continues to grow.
The agreement, executed on Dec. 23, 2025, forms part of OMS Group’s longer-term fleet expansion strategy and reflects a focus on environmental performance, the company said. The vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2028.
OMS Group said the vessels will be purpose-built for subsea cable installation and engineered to reduce carbon emissions, supporting the deployment of subsea networks with a lower environmental impact.
“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. “Partnering with ULSTEIN® and adopting the X-BOW® design reinforces our commitment to performance, sustainability, and operational excellence.”
OMS Group chief executive Ronnie Lim said increasing global demand for connectivity has tightened vessel availability across the sector. “With global connectivity demand accelerating, fleet capacity has become a critical constraint for the industry,” he said. “These vessels significantly enhance our ability to execute complex submarine cable installations reliably and at scale.”
Ulstein said the contract strengthens its position in the market for specialised offshore vessels. “By integrating our proven ULSTEIN® X-BOW® design with advanced technologies such as the ULSTEIN® POWER Variable Speed Generator, we deliver vessels that set new standards for operational efficiency and environmental performance,” said Gunvor Ulstein, chief executive of Ulstein Group.
The vessels will be built to the ULSTEIN SX252 design by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and delivered from Ulstein Verft in 2028. Each vessel will measure about 130 metres in length and 22 metres in beam, with a cable capacity of up to 6,500 tonnes.
They will accommodate up to 75 personnel and feature two main cable tanks, two spare-cable tanks, a hangar over the cable deck, a large open deck for remotely operated vehicles and containers, and a 50-tonne A-frame with towing winch for ploughing operations.
Ulstein said the X-BOW design is intended to reduce vessel motion, helping to limit cable wear and improve safety and operational capability in harsh conditions.
