OMS advances sea acceptance tests for USV Elite

OMS Group (OMS) said its Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) for the USV Elite, its long range DriX O-16 Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), are demonstrating impressive seakeeping characteristics and strong early results on deepwater multibeam echosounder performance, supporting OMS’s strategy to scale long-range uncrewed survey capabilities globally. The SAT campaign is focused on validating vessel handling, stability, systems integration, operational controls and survey performance under representative offshore conditions. Early observations confirm that USV Elite delivers stable line keeping and platform behaviour suitable for continuous offshore survey operations over extended missions. A key component of the programme is the verification of the Kongsberg EM124 deepwater multibeam echosounder suite. Initial results demonstrate robust full-swath bathymetric acquisition capability aligned with the requirements of full ocean-depth cable route survey operations. The programme also continues to validate end-to-end integration between vessel systems and survey payloads, supporting OMS’s operating model for reliable deepwater data acquisition. In parallel, OMS highlighted the sustainability advantages of uncrewed offshore operations. Compared with conventional crewed survey vessels, USVs typically require lower fuel consumption, supporting reducing carbon emissions and a lower the offshore footprint, while maintaining offshore-grade survey performance. “This SAT programme represents an important milestone in proving how long-range uncrewed platforms can deliver offshore-grade deepwater survey operations for the subsea cable industry,” said Ronnie Lim, Group CEO of OMS Group. “USV Elite is designed to expand our capability in full ocean-depth route surveys while improving safety, efficiency and sustainability through a remote operating model.” OMS confirmed that SAT results will support final operational procedures and deployment planning ahead of regional mobilisation in early Q4 2026. OMS remains committed to operating uncrewed systems in accordance with recognised international frameworks and industry guidance as it expands the deployment of USVs across future projects. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]