U-Boat Worx
TypePrivate
Founded2005 (2005)
FounderBert Houtman
HeadquartersBreda, The Netherlands
ProductsCrewed submersibles
Number of employees
100+
Websiteuboatworx.com
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U-Boat Worx is recognized as the foremost manufacturer of private submersibles globally with over 60 submarines in operation. Renowned for its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology, U-Boat Worx has solidified its position as the industry leader in the production of submersibles. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of underwater exploration, their state-of-the-art submarines cater to a diverse range of clientele, including private individuals, researchers, and commercial enterprises. The company's dedication to excellence, coupled with a track record of delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable submarines, has positioned U-Boat Worx as the premier choice for those seeking unparalleled underwater experiences and exploration capabilities.

History

In the early 2000s, after a successful career in the software industry culminating in the Stock Exchange listing of his company, Exact Software,[1] Houtman commenced looking for a personal submarine for his own enjoyment, only to find that submersibles were the sole domain of military or institutional scientific users.

In his quest to personalise submarines for everyday use, Bert teamed up with a Canadian inventor, Peter Mitton,[2] who had pioneered a small one person Sub (C - Quester)[3] that provided the template for what was to follow.

That partnership ended in 2005;[1] Bert Houtman founded U-Boat Worx determined to expand the audience for private submersibles.

U-Boat Worx delivered in 2015 a private submarine for a Cruise Ship, this was the first cruise ship with a submarine operation onboard.[3] Later the Crystal Esprit and Genting Dream also took delivery of a U-Boat Worx submersibles.

Today the company produces a range of versatile subs for all underwater activities, including the flagship model that can dive to 3,000 meters (9,845 feet).[4]

The Name

The name "U-Boat Worx" is derived from "underwater boat”, referring to the boat-like handling that was distinctive in the original C-Quester design". A so-called double-hull principle that did not only use diving tanks to achieve positive buoyancy, but also a secondary boat-like hull that could be pumped empty was to make the submersible suitable for longer surface voyage and provide "boat-like" characteristics.[5]

The second part "Worx" is an abbreviation or alteration of "Works", which refers to the industrial nature of the production process.[5]

Models

U-Boat Worx now has different series of submarines. The following models are in production.[6]

NEMO series

  • NEMO-2 – two-person submarine, capable of diving to 100 meters

Super Yacht Sub series

  • Super Yacht Sub 3 –three-person submarine, designed for yachts, capable of diving to 300 meters

C-Researcher series

  • C-Researcher 2 – 500 - two-person submarine capable of diving to 500 meters
  • C-Researcher 2 – 1140 - two-person submarine capable of diving to 1,140 meters
  • C-Researcher 2 – 3000 - two-person submarine capable of diving to 3,000 meters
  • C-Researcher 3 – 300 - three-person submarine capable of diving to 300 meters
  • C-Researcher 3 – 1140 - three-person submarine capable of diving to 1,140 meters
  • C-Researcher 3 – 2500 – three-person submarine capable of diving to 2,500 meters
  • C-Researcher 5 – 300 – three-person submarine capable of diving to 300 meters

Cruise Sub series

  • Cruise Sub 5 – 500 – five-person submarine, capable of diving to 500 meters
  • Cruise Sub 5 – 1140 – five-person submarine, capable of diving to 1,140 meters
  • Cruise Sub 5 – 1700 – five-person submarine, capable of diving to 1,700 meters
  • Cruise Sub 7 – 300 – seven-person submarine, capable of diving to 300 meters
  • Cruise Sub 7 – 1140 – seven-person submarine, capable of diving to 1,140 meters
  • Cruise Sub 9 – 300 – nine-person submarine, capable of diving to 300 meters
  • Cruise Sub 11 – 200 – eleven-person submarine, capable of diving to 200 meters

Super Sub

  • Super Sub – 300 – three-person submarine, capable of diving to 300 meters

C-Explorer series

  • C-Explorer 3 – three-person submersible, capable of diving to 300 meters
  • C-Explorer 5 – five-person submersible, capable of diving to 200 meters

The following U-Boat Worx models are no longer in production.

  • C-Quester 1 - one-person submarine
  • C-Quester 2 – two-person submarine
  • C-Quester 3 – three-person submarine
  • C-Explorer 2 – two-person submarine

Applications

70% of U-Boat Worx clients are private yacht owners who use their private submersible for exploration most of the time. Some of these clients make their private submersibles available for researchers. Other applications U-Boat Worx private submersibles are being used for are tourism and research. U-Boat Worx has solidified its position as the definitive industry standard within the cruise industry, boasting more than sixteen cruise submarines operational across various cruise lines. These submarines are prominently featured onboard to offer thrilling dive excursions, delighting and entertaining guests throughout their cruise experience.[5]

With over 60 submarines in operation, many clients of U-Boat Worx are private owners - as a result, the following list is not complete. Known U-Boat Worx submersibles are:

  • Motor Yacht Legend - a Class 1 ice-breaking charter yacht, which is used on expeditions to remote destinations like Antarctica and Greenland.[7]
  • The Russian Geographical Society used two U-Boat Worx submarines during a search and rescue operation - a C-Quester 2 and C-Explorer 3 - at the site of the fall of aircraft Tu-154 in Sochi. This model of sub is usually deployed for research expeditions.[8]
  • Cruise Ship Genting Dream of Dream Cruises carries a C-Explorer 5 submarine on each side of the ship.[9]
  • Cruise Ship Crystal Esprit, a high-end luxurious cruise ship operated by Crystal Cruises has a C-Explorer 3 onboard to entertain guests.[10]
  • Cruise Ship Viking Polaris[11]
  • Cruise Ship Viking Octantis[12]
  • Cruise Ship Seabourn Pursuit[13]
  • Cruise Ship Seabourn Venture[14]
  • Aurora Trust Foundations partnered with SubSea Explorers and U-Boat Worx to explore ancient Roman shipwrecks.[15]
  • Motor Yacht Sofia, a 42-meter Moonen Yacht carries a C-Quester 3.[16]
  • Motor Yacht Milele, a 45-meter Hakvoort Yacht carries a NEMO.[17]
  • Motor Yacht Cecilia, a 50-meter Wider Yacht carries a SYS3.[18]
  • Motor Yacht Suri, a 63-meter explorer vessel carries a Cruise Sub 7.[19]
  • Motor Yacht Arrow, a 47-meter San Lorenzo carries a NEMO.[20]
  • Motor Yacht Lars, a 47-meter San Lorenzo carries a SYS3.[21]
  • Motor Yacht Shinkai, a 55-meter Feadship carries a C-Researcher 3.[22]
  • Motor Yacht Sandalphon, a 31-meter pocket explorer carries a NEMO.[23]

Technology

MANTA Controller – to allow for supervised passenger steering U-Boat Worx developed the MANTA Controller. The pilot can hand over the controller to an untrained guest to let them navigate, under supervision.[3]

MARLIN Controller – To make launch and recovery of the submersible easy and safe, U-Boat Worx developed the MARLIN Controller. This controller allows for wireless control and navigation on the surface without having a person inside the submarine.[3]

U-Boat Worx was the first submarine manufacturer who applied Lithium-ion batteries in her submarines with classification by DNV.[3]

Pressure tolerant Battery technology – U-Boat Worx developed a pressure-tolerant battery system with an increased capacity of 350% when compared to lead-acid batteries used non U-Boat Worx submersibles. The technology has been tested to 13,000 feet and stores a total of 62 kWh on compact battery modules.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Zeeverkenner". Financieel Dagblad.
  2. ↑ "Personal Submersibles".
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "About us". U-Boat Worx.
  4. ↑ "U-Boat Worx deepest diving personal submarine series unveiled". PR newswire.
  5. 1 2 3 "MYS16 U-Boat WOrx on reaching new depths". Superyachts.com.
  6. ↑ "Models". U-Boat Worx.
  7. ↑ "MY Legend". Camper and Nicholsons.
  8. ↑ "Russian Geographical Society sending two manned submersibles sochi". RGO. 26 December 2016.
  9. ↑ "Genting Dream delivered". Meyerwerft.
  10. ↑ "Experience Crystal Yacht". crystal cruises.
  11. ↑ "Viking Expeditions – Expedition Equipment".
  12. ↑ "Viking Expeditions – Expedition Equipment".
  13. ↑ "Which Expedition Cruise Ships Have Submarines?". 24 October 2023.
  14. ↑ "Which Expedition Cruise Ships Have Submarines?". 24 October 2023.
  15. ↑ "Aurora trust". Aurora trust.
  16. ↑ "Moonen' 138 sofia". yachts international.
  17. ↑ "Exploring the full-custom mid-size yacht segment with Omega Architects". 20 October 2022.
  18. ↑ "More is more: Inside the Wider 165 Cecilia".
  19. ↑ "Explorer SuRi to Map Ocean Floor as Part of Two Year Expedition".
  20. ↑ "ARROW".
  21. ↑ "Super Yacht Sub 3 on the new Sanlorenzo 500EXP".
  22. ↑ "No compromise for the 55m M/Y Shinkai, Philippe Briand explains why | superyachtdigest". 12 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "How to refit a yacht to accommodate a submarine". 30 July 2020.
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