The umbilical is one of the key equipment for offshore oil and gas resource exploitation, which contains functional components such as hydraulic pipes, electric cables, and optical cables. Due to its complex internal structure and high integration, the cross-sectional layout design of the umbilical plays a key role in its performance. In this paper, aiming at the geometric compactness, load balance, symmetry, and thermal distribution of the cross-section, a multi-objective optimization mathematical model of the cross-sectional layout is proposed. Furthermore, a quasi-physical algorithm is introduced to describe the above optimization objectives, and an iterative optimization algorithm is established to realize the layout design of the section. Finally, numerical simulation is used to simulate the optimization results, and the comparison with the initial design shows that the optimization results have good multi-physical performances, which verifies the feasibility of the design methodology. The research results show that the cross-section layout optimization method based on the quasi-physical algorithm can effectively improve the design efficiency of the umbilical, and provide a useful reference for the actual engineering design.