According to Engineer Live, Unique Group has secured a multi-million dollar contract with CCC Underwater Engineering to provide two Launch and Recovery Systems for Work Class ROVs. The systems will be deployed on CCCUWE’s new flagship DPIII DSCV ‘Wadad Alethia,’ currently operating in the Arabian Gulf region. Unique Group’s Subsea Innovation division in the UK will design and engineer the Active Heave Compensated LARS with fully electric winch control systems, while manufacturing will occur at the company’s UAE facility. Delivery is scheduled for Q1 2026, with both companies emphasizing their long-standing collaboration and the combination of global engineering expertise with regional manufacturing capabilities. This strategic partnership underscores significant developments in the subsea technology sector.
The Regional Manufacturing Advantage
This contract represents a broader industry trend toward regional manufacturing hubs in strategic offshore markets. By manufacturing the LARS systems at their UAE facility while maintaining UK-based engineering expertise, Unique Group is optimizing for both technical excellence and logistical efficiency. The Arabian Gulf’s growing offshore infrastructure demands require faster deployment cycles and reduced transportation costs. Companies that establish manufacturing presence near operational theaters gain competitive advantages in bidding for major contracts, particularly when working with operators like CCC Underwater Engineering that prioritize operational readiness and minimal downtime.
Electric Systems Gaining Market Share
The specification of fully electric winch control systems marks a significant shift in subsea equipment preferences. Traditional hydraulic systems, while powerful, face increasing scrutiny regarding environmental compliance, maintenance requirements, and precision control. Electric systems offer superior positioning accuracy, reduced environmental impact, and lower lifecycle costs—critical factors in complex offshore environments where millimeter-level precision matters. As DNV-classed equipment becomes standard for major operators, the industry is witnessing a rapid transition toward all-electric subsea solutions that align with broader offshore decarbonization initiatives.
Consolidation Among Specialized Providers
This multi-million dollar award signals ongoing consolidation among subsea technology providers capable of delivering integrated solutions. The market is increasingly dividing between general equipment suppliers and specialized integrators who can provide engineered systems with full certification and support. Unique Group’s ability to combine UK engineering with UAE manufacturing exemplifies the type of vertically integrated, globally distributed capability that major operators now require. Smaller players lacking either the engineering depth or manufacturing footprint are likely to become acquisition targets as the industry demands single-source responsibility for complex subsea systems.
Arabian Gulf Offshore Investment Accelerates
The deployment on the ‘Wadad Alethia’ vessel operating in the Arabian Gulf reflects sustained investment in the region’s offshore infrastructure. Unlike temporary exploration campaigns, this contract suggests longer-term operational commitments requiring sophisticated ROV support systems. The timing aligns with increased offshore development activity across the Middle East, where national oil companies and international operators are investing in both traditional energy infrastructure and emerging sectors like subsea cable installation and offshore renewables. The Q1 2026 delivery timeline indicates confidence in sustained market activity through the mid-decade period.
