What's Happening?
OMS Group has acquired a second DriX O-16 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) from Exail to support the increasing demand for subsea cable infrastructure. This acquisition follows the purchase of a previous unit, now named USV Elite, which is set to launch
in mid-2026. The DriX O-16 is designed for long-duration survey missions, with an operational endurance of up to 30 days and a range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with advanced sensor technology, including the Kongsberg EM124 multibeam echo sounder, to provide high-resolution seabed mapping for telecommunications cable projects. OMS Group plans to use these USVs to enhance their autonomous survey capabilities, reduce emissions, and improve operational resilience.
Why It's Important?
The acquisition of the DriX O-16 USVs by OMS Group highlights the growing importance of autonomous technology in the subsea cable industry. As global demand for digital infrastructure increases, the ability to conduct efficient and precise seabed surveys is crucial for the successful installation of telecommunications cables. The use of USVs can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of survey operations, decrease human exposure at sea, and offer greater flexibility in remote and long-duration missions. This development underscores the shift towards more sustainable and technologically advanced methods in the maritime industry.
What's Next?
OMS Group plans to integrate the DriX O-16 USVs into a broader strategic ecosystem, including the use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and the establishment of a Remote Operation Centre in Singapore. This facility will enable remote supervision, real-time data validation, and coordinated multi-vehicle operations. Exail's DriX portfolio, including the O-16, H-8, and H-9 models, is expected to play a significant role in future offshore infrastructure projects, providing scalable autonomous solutions to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
