A Dutch submarine manufacturer, U-boat Worx, has launched a new series of submarines called the NEXUS. This series breaks from the traditional mold of submarines and is designed to be more accessible and user-friendly. Previously, U-boat Worx manufactured only private and commercial submarines, but the NEXUS series is designed for a wider audience. The company has sold over 20 of its highly successful Cruise Subs to private operators, resorts, and cruise lines since 2017.
The U-Boat Worx NEXUS, a civilian manned submarine, offers submarine tourist excursions to qualified operators. This unique form of tourism takes passengers on an underwater journey to explore the amazing and diverse undersea world. The submarine is a marvel of engineering that can dive down to depths of up to 200 meters and remain there for extended periods, allowing passengers to view marine life in their natural habitat.
This new U-Boat series features two models with an ultra-large elliptical acrylic pressure hull offering unrivaled passenger comfort. Seating up to eight passengers and one pilot, the NEXUS provides 25% more interior space than competing models. The subs are equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery technology, allowing them to operate for up to 18 hours and dive up to ten times a day.
The seating arrangement in the Cruise Subs has been replicated in the NEXUS, so passengers always have a great view no matter which direction the submarine is traveling. NEXUS subs are designed to be multi-directional, meaning they can move in any direction, a distinguishing capability only achieved in U-Boat Worx submersibles. Ten silent thrusters provide the power required for top performance and unmatched speed.
One of the unique features of U-Boat Worx’s flagship submersibles is the optional passenger elevator, which is also integrated into the company’s C-Researcher models. Thanks to the top-mounted diving tanks, the views on both sides are unobstructed by floaters, with ample freeboard. This also leads to a stable boarding platform that provides enough space for all occupants to stand on deck. The NEXUS is optimized for ship-based launch and recovery but can also be deployed from land and transported to dive sites.
NEXUS provides an immersive aquatic encounter, bridging the gap between people and the ocean. A smaller, 7-person version is available, in addition to the 9-person NEXUS.