MIN sits down with Bart van Nunen, the new CEO of submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx, to discuss the company’s ambitious plans to become a fully-fledged production company. 

With a background in manufacturing and technology, coupled with extensive sailing experience and a passion for venturing far beneath the surface, Bart van Nunen is poised to take the world of luxury exploration to new depths. Since taking the reins of the Netherlands-based company in June this year, he aims to double production while doubling down on safety.

Safety first 

In the wake of the recent OceanGate Titan incident and the US Coast Guard’s hearing surrounding the submersible disaster that shook the industry, van Nunen leaves 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.” 

The company’s commitment to safety is evident in its adherence to DNV certification. The internationally recognised classification society for crewed submersibles, ensures products meet standards and technical requirements for safe operations. “From the design to production phases and sea trials, we are completely certified in the whole process; for example, there are over 10,000 parts in our NEMO submersible, and they are all certified by DNV.” 

OceanGate, however, reportedly chose not to pursue the recognised certification process for the ill-fated Titan, raising questions about whether such tragedy would have been avoided if DNV protocols had been imposed.

Van Nunen further expresses confidence in the DNV certification: “Theoretically, anyone can go offshore and dive, but the safety of our passengers is number one. I have never worked with such strict regulations as DNV; they put the level sky-high.” The company uses specially produced titanium hulls approved by DNV, with welding procedures and pressure testings all overseen by the society.

Credit: Tom Van Oossanen

A deeper experience 

For van Nunen, leading U-Boat Worx is more than just a job – it’s a passion. “You cannot be the CEO of a submersible company without diving,” citing his first-hand experience. While the company is product and technically oriented, van Nunen stresses that it’s “selling an experience”. Whether exploring unexplored wrecks, discovering new marine species, or coral reefs, U-Boat Worx aims to enable individuals to go beyond the limitations of conventional scuba diving.

By maintaining the same pressure inside the submersible as on the surface, van Nunen affirms that the vessels are an extremely comfortable – and, again, safe – platform. “The marine life isn’t afraid of us; we are the fish; they are curious and come to visit us when we are down there,” he explains, describing encounters made possible thanks to the design features.

Credit: Gavin Newman

Growth markets and shifting preferences 

U-Boat Worx has positioned itself in what van Nunen describes as “the niche of the niche”. The target markets are clear: “Demand is growing as people get used to diving. The superyacht market is number one. We see huge, future growth potential in the superyacht world, as well as in high-end resorts and the luxury cruise world.”

As the company approaches its 20th anniversary next year, with a recently expanded sales team, van Nunen is setting ambitious targets for such a burgeoning market. “We’ve built 60 submersibles so far, and I would love to grow to 100 tomorrow, but realistically, with lead times, if we can double production soon, this would be perfect.” 

With a niche sector of UNHWIs seeking their next thrill, Roy Heijdra, head of marketing for U-Boat Worx, notes the preference shift: “Most superyacht builders are now exploring the explorer market.

“This is a big market for us; we are seeing the move away from classic yachts to the more explorer-type vessels, and with that, the change in clientele to younger, more adventure-oriented. They no longer need a big Jacuzzi on the deck – they would love a submersible instead.”

Credit: Guy Fleury

A chance to learn 

U-Boat Worx offers individuals the chance to learn how to operate the vessels; the company has its own pilot training centre in Curacao. Regarding the demand from the superyacht world, Heijdra explains: “We have seen a shift in how superyacht crew react to our product. I remember eight years ago, no one was interested in being a pilot, but now people are coming to us to learn, as it will look good on their resumes for the changing charter market. We have yacht crew coming to Curacao who don’t yet have a submersible onboard but want to become a pilot nonetheless.

“We used to have a limited pool of pilots that were on hand, but now we have a large selection of freelance pilots around the world we can call upon for the charter market; not only do we provide the vessel but also the pilot to operate them, it’s a win-win situation.”

Innovation on the horizon 

Product-wise, excitement is building for the launch of the company’s Super Sub 3, designed for superyachts. Already in production, van Nunen alludes to an event next April that will not only celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary but also see the launch of the Super Sub 3. Throughout the year, various enhancements have been added to the speedy model – touted as ‘the world’s fastest private submersible’ – or, as van Nunen comments: “the James Bond model.”

Even more audacious is the company’s Nautilus, a superyacht submersible concept. While news has been quiet on this front since designs were first unveiled at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show, and interiors revealed last year, Heijdra confirms: “The calculations have been done, we have talked with builders who would love to build it once we have a client.” Moravia Yachting has been selected at the central brokerage for the sale if and when the radical concept materialises.

Stable backing for a bright future 

Van Nunen is optimistic about the company’s “bright future”, praising the stability and passion of current and new shareholders: “We are not chasing quick profits, our shareholders are here for the long haul – no foreign exits in the next 3-5 years. These aren’t your typical investors with a passion for Excel spreadsheets; our investors are genuinely passionate about the underwater world and share our vision and focus for growth.”

The company’s founder, Bert Houtman, will continue to serve as a shareholder and ambassador. As for future plans, the firm asserts it will continue to advance technological capabilities and innovation while working to expand its global footprint. 

“It is an honour to be part of U-Boat Worx, and we look forward to building strong relationships with customers and partners and further solidifying our place as a pioneer in underwater exploration,” concludes van Nunen. 

Images courtesy of U-Boat Worx.

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