Dutch submersible builder emphasises safety in wake of Titan disaster
Dutch submersible builder U-Boat Worx has launched its 60th submarine, a customised Super Yacht Sub 3, marking a significant milestone in its 20-year history.
The newly launched submersible, finished in a metallic bronze colour, has been crafted exclusively for a client.
Since its founding in 2005, U-Boat Worx has advanced submarine innovation, beginning with the launch of the C-Quester series in 2005 and growing to become a pioneer in the manned submersible industry. The company oversees every aspect of production, from design and engineering to field support. Two decades on, with 60 submarines built to date, and tens of thousands of dives, U-Boat Worx continues to innovate.
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 there were numerous failings with the vessel’s hull, recounting a catalogue of errors and missed warnings. It was discovered that OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush had pushed back on safety regulations, saying they stifled innovation. The sub in question was not classed by an independent agency because OceanGate said the vessel’s ‘innovative features’ fell outside of existing standards.
Speaking to MIN in October in the wake of the incident that shook the industry, 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 this week 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.
“Safety has always been at the forefront of U-Boat Worx’s philosophy, but we recognise that communicating our commitment clearly is more essential than ever,” he says. “We’ve emphasised the unique safety features of our submarines—like our pioneering Manta controller for enhanced precision, our advanced battery technology, and full in-house engineering capabilities.
“We also highlight our unmatched level of certification and our pilot training facilities in Curaçao, where clients can experience these safety measures firsthand. Reinforcing this messaging allows us to assure customers that our submarines are designed with their well-being as the top priority.”
Heijdra says that the incident has not significantly dented U-Boat Worx’s sales or enquiries in the past year and a half. “While the tragic Titan incident did bring attention to the complexities of underwater exploration, we found that inquiries into our submersibles have remained strong,” he says. “U-Boat Worx has always set itself apart with an unwavering focus on safety, backed by rigorous engineering standards, high-quality certification (including DNV certification across all models), and a dedicated field operations team.
“Our clientele often comes to us with extensive knowledge and a clear understanding of the importance of these standards, so we haven’t seen a significant dip in interest. However, this event has underscored the importance of transparency and trust in our approach.”
A U-Boat Worx sub in action
The company has introduced numerous features over the years, including full acrylic viewports for unobstructed views, lithium-ion batteries for extended dive times, and intuitive control systems. Submersibles are equipped with comfortable seating, climate control, high-precision thrusters for smooth operation and safety measures such as automatic resurfacing systems. U-Boat Worx also focuses on superyacht compatibility with compact designs and adaptable launch and recovery solutions.
“This milestone of delivering our 60th submarine marks an exciting point for U-Boat Worx, reflecting not only our growth but also the trust our customers place in us,” says Heijdra. “Over nearly two decades, we’ve pioneered advancements from full acrylic domes to series production, while becoming the largest manned submersible manufacturer worldwide.
“Looking forward, our next big milestones include expanding our product line, advancing technological innovations, and deepening our field operations support for seamless service worldwide. We’re also continuing to build our training and demonstration experiences, giving clients hands-on opportunities to explore with confidence.”
“Our 60th submarine is more than just a number—it reflects years of hard work, innovation, and close collaboration with our clients,” adds commercial director Erik Hasselman.
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