Malaysian subsea shipowner OMS Group has embarked on a major fleet renewal with a newbuilding deal in the Netherlands.
Shipbuilder Royal IHC said the company has signed a contract for a series of next-generation cable-laying vessels.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027.
No further details of optional ships were given.
IHC has been contacted for comment.
OMS said the strategic investment will enhance its ability to serve rising telecommunications demands and deliver resilient global connectivity.
“Upon completion, the vessels will help address the urgent and growing need for modern, efficient solutions to keep pace with the rising demands of global connectivity,” the owner added.
Datuk Lim Soon Foo, founder and chairman of OMS Group, said: “We are excited to announce this strategic investment that underscores our commitment to strengthening our capabilities and ambition to be a key global player in the subsea telecommunications industry.”
UK shipbroker Clarksons lists the 4,000-gt ship as due in March 2027. No price was given.
Ageing fleet
The Malaysian owner has seven ships including six cable layers, three of which date from the 1980s and one from 1992.
Bert Jan ter Riet, chief operating officer of Royal IHC, stated: “As global demand for subsea digital infrastructure grows, we are honoured to support industry leader OMS Group with cutting-edge cable-lay vessels and equipment.”
The 130-metre vessel design can bury cables to a depth of 3.3 metres and has a bollard pull of more than 100 tonnes.
Allan Cairns, general manager of Royal IHC Offshore Energy, added: “This collaboration leverages Royal IHC‘s experience with advanced technologies and stringent safety regulations, ensuring the new vessel and cable-lay system meet the demanding specifications required for efficient and reliable subsea cable operations.”
