This milestone, executed on 23 December 2025, marks the latest major step in OMS Group’s fleet expansion strategy and underscores OMS's commitment to the environment and to meeting surging 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. Partnering with ULSTEIN® and adopting the X-BOW® design reinforces our commitment to performance, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Superior installation capabilities with a key focus on sustainability
The new vessels, scheduled to come into service in 2028, will be purpose-built to deliver not only superior installation capabilities but also a key focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The vessels will feature cutting-edge engineering and operational efficiencies, ensuring the best possible deployment of subsea networks, with the lowest environmental impact available in the market.
Ronnie Lim, Group Chief Executive Officer of OMS Group, added:
“With global connectivity demand accelerating, fleet capacity has become a critical constraint for the industry. 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.”
“At Ulstein, we are proud to partner with OMS Group on these next-generation cable-laying vessels. This confirms Ulstein's position within the design and construction of special-purpose ships. By integrating our proven ULSTEIN® X-BOW® design with advanced technologies such as the ULSTEIN® POWER Variable Speed Generator (VSG), we deliver vessels that set new standards for operational efficiency and environmental performance in this market. These solutions reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Together with OMS Group, we are committed to supporting the global digital infrastructure with sustainable, future-ready solutions. A big thank you also goes to our employees for their efforts in securing this contract,” said Gunvor Ulstein, CEO at Ulstein Group.
ULSTEIN SX252: Built for performance and reliability
The ULSTEIN SX252 vessels have been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and are scheduled for delivery from Ulstein Verft in 2028. They are 130 metres long and 22 metres wide, with a capacity of up to 6,500 tonnes of cable. Accommodation is provided for 75 persons. The vessels feature two large cable tanks, two spare-cable tanks, and a hangar that encloses the cable deck. On top of the hangar, there is a large open deck for ROVs and containers. The vessel is also equipped with a 50-tonne A-frame with a towing winch for ploughing. The ULSTEIN® X-BOW® reduces motion, reducing wear on cables and cable equipment and enhancing safety and operational capability even in rough weather and high waves.
About OMS Group
OMS Group is a global, neutral and integrated digital infrastructure service provider. OMS Group has two key divisions, OMS Telco and LitUp Network, enabling the Group to provide sustainable, end-to-end solutions across the digital infrastructure value chain.
The OMS Telco division encompasses Submarine Cable Installation, Installation Support, and Marine Maintenance. This delivers a full suite of marine services, including installation and repair of deep- and shallow-water fibre-optic cable systems, shore-end installation, engineering, project management, permitting, subsea surveys, and system maintenance. OMS Telco delivers this capability using the 5 owned, currently active Cable Vessels, with 4 New vessels under construction.
LitUp Network, the Interconnect Managed Services division, encompasses Cable Landing Stations, Network Backhaul, Data Centre Connectivity and Fibre ownership. This delivers licensed terrestrial services to complement the OMS Telco division and enable the full suite of integrated digital infrastructure services.
About Ulstein
Ulstein is an internationally renowned provider of ship design, shipbuilding and system solutions for ships. For more than 100 years, we have developed future-oriented products and services for the maritime industry, and our vision is to create tomorrow’s solutions for sustainable marine operations. Ulstein has activities in several countries and is headquartered in Ulsteinvik, Norway.
Contacts
OMS Group:
Ellerique Shamsuddin, +603 5569 3881, [email protected]
Ulstein Verft:
Marita Myrvågnes, +47 406 26 547, [email protected]
Ulstein Design & Solutions AS:
Torill Muren, +47 900 38 665, [email protected]
