OMS Group signed contracts with Ulstein to design and build two cable-laying vessels. The order is positioned as part of OMS Group’s fleet expansion, aimed at meeting demand for high-capacity submarine cable systems.

OMS Group chairman Datuk Lim Soon Foo said the newbuild programme aligns with the group’s long-term investment direction and leverages Ulstein’s X-BOW hull form. CEO Ronnie Lim added that the additional capacity is intended to help address vessel availability constraints and support larger, more complex cable installation campaigns.

The ships are based on the ULSTEIN SX252 design from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and are scheduled for delivery from Ulstein Verft in 2028. Each vessel is planned at 130 m in length and 22 m in beam, with cable capacity up to 6,500 tonnes and accommodation for 75 personnel.

Design features include two main cable tanks, two spare cable tanks, and an enclosed hangar above the cable deck, with an open deck area above arranged for ROVs and containers. A 50 t A-frame and a towing winch are specified for ploughing operations.

Ulstein Group CEO Gunvor Ulstein said the project combines the X-BOW arrangement with solutions such as variable-speed generators, which are described as supporting improved operational efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. In its profile, OMS Group describes itself as a global, neutral, and integrated digital infrastructure service provider, organised through OMS Telco and LitUp Network; OMS Telco covers submarine cable installation and related marine services supported by five owned, active cable vessels, with four additional vessels under construction.