 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Bert Houtman |
| Headquarters | Breda, The Netherlands |
| Products | Crewed submersibles |
Number of employees | 70+ |
U-Boat Worx is recognized as the foremost manufacturer of private submersibles globally with over 60 submarines in operation. U-Boat Worx produces a range of versatile subs for all underwater activities, including the flagship model that can dive to 3,000 meters (9,845 feet). [1]
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 submarines for all underwater activities, including the flagship model that can dive to 3,000 meters (9,845 feet).[4]
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]
U-Boat Worx now has different series of submarines. The following models are in production.[6]
NEMO series
Super Yacht Sub series
C-Researcher series
Cruise Sub series
Super Sub
C-Explorer series
The following U-Boat Worx models are no longer in production.
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:
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. [2]
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. [2]
U-Boat Worx was the first submarine manufacturer who applied lithium-ion batteries in her submarines with classification by DNV GL. [2]
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 in 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. [2]
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