OMS Group is progressing sea acceptance tests for USV Elite, its long-range uncrewed surface vessel, off the South of France ahead of planned regional mobilization in early Q4 2026.
The Singapore-based digital infrastructure service provider said the test program is producing positive early results in vessel handling, stability, system integration and deepwater survey performance. Once mobilized, USV Elite will support autonomous offshore survey operations.
The sea acceptance test campaign is focused on confirming how the unit performs under representative offshore conditions. Early findings show stable line keeping and platform behavior, supporting its use for extended offshore survey missions.
A key part of the program is the verification of the Kongsberg EM124 deepwater multibeam echosounder suite. OMS Group said initial results show full-swath bathymetric acquisition capability aligned with full ocean-depth cable route survey requirements.
The testing also covers the integration of vessel systems and survey payloads. The results will be used to finalize operational procedures and deployment planning before mobilization in early Q4 2026.
OMS Group said the combination of the Exail DriX O-16 platform and Kongsberg EM124 is showing the stability and data quality needed for deepwater bathymetric work. Reliable data quality is critical for full ocean-depth cable route surveys, where consistency and accuracy directly affect subsea cable planning.
The deployment of USV Elite forms part of OMS Group’s wider plan to expand survey and engineering capabilities through OMS Geometra, its specialist survey business.
The unit’s long-endurance capability is also being validated during the test program. Designed for extended offshore missions, USV Elite can support survey work across large areas while maintaining consistent operational performance.
The company said demand for submarine cable systems continues to grow globally, increasing the importance of high-quality route survey data for subsea infrastructure planning, development and protection.
OMS Group also said it remains committed to operating autonomous systems in line with recognized international frameworks and industry guidance as it expands the use of uncrewed technologies.
Ronnie Lim, Group CEO of OMS Group, said USV Elite represents an important step in expanding next-generation offshore survey capabilities. He said the test results show that long-range uncrewed systems can deliver the stability, endurance and survey performance required for demanding offshore work.
The unit is expected to complement conventional survey methods and support future integration with autonomous underwater systems and remote operations technologies.
Survey activities are also expected to be supported by OMS Group’s planned Remote Operations Centre in Singapore, which will provide centralised oversight and operational support for autonomous offshore assets.
René d’Avezac de Moran, Chief Operating Officer of OMS Group, said the sea trials are validating not only the vessel and payload performance, but also the operating model needed for future commercial deployment.
