U-Boat Worx launches submersible charter programme

Dutch submersible builder U-Boat Worx has launched a new wet lease programme, offering fully managed submersible operations through a turnkey model.

The firm says its new initiative means commercial operators can provide submarine dives without owning a submersible or managing in-house operations.

Established in 2005, U-Boat Worx designs and manufactures submersibles for private, research and cruise industry use. The firm says the new programme is intended to lower entry barriers such as cost, complexity and regulatory compliance. Applications include marine tourism, education and conservation, with the aim of enabling more organisations to conduct undersea experiences.

It’s undoubtedly been a tough period for the submersible market in the wake of the OceanGate Titan incident in June 2023, and the US Coast Guard’s hearing surrounding the submersible disaster that shook the industry. Experts confirmed at the Titan hearing that there were numerous failings with the vessel’s hull, recounting a catalogue of errors and missed warnings.

Speaking to MIN in October in the wake of the incident, chief executive Bart van Nunen left no room for ambiguity about U-Boat Worx’s priorities: “Safety is number one for U-Boat Worx, and number two is reliability. Only then do we get to the experience and the fun.” 

Roy Heijdra, marketing manager of U-Boat Worx, spoke to MIN last year shortly after announcing the firm’s latest milestone launch. He says the firm has strengthened messaging around submersible safety to cut through the global media coverage of the Titan implosion.

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U-Boat Worx’ new wet lease offering is designed for a range of commercial clients, including travel agents, resorts, cruise lines and charter yachts. It includes submarines with two, three, five or seven seats, certified crew and pilots, full maintenance and servicing, assistance with local permitting and compliance, and complete dive operations and logistics.

“With our wet lease model, operators no longer need to worry about recruitment, training, technical upkeep, or regulatory hurdles,” says Wilbert Beilsma, the company’s new commercial director. “We’ve built this offering around one promise: You bring in the guests, we take care of the rest.”

U-Boat Worx, which was founded in 2005, currently operates more than 60 submarines and has completed over 10,000 commercial dives. In addition to supporting scientific research, the company’s submersibles are used for guest experiences that provide direct views of underwater ecosystems.

“Guests today are looking for extraordinary experiences, something they can’t find anywhere else,” says Heijdra. “A submarine dive is the kind of bucket-list adventure that sets your destination apart. It creates buzz, drives word-of-mouth, and gives operators powerful content for their own marketing.”

U-Boat Worx says it is expanding its role from manufacturer to operating partner as it targets increasing demand for “experience-driven travel.”