NEMO sub builder celebrates production milestone
The first production series of NEMO submersibles in now well underway in The Netherlands, following the Dutch manufacturer U-Boat Worx’s revamp of its factory to facilitate a scalable production process.
Submersibles of this type are traditionally built to order, resulting in extended lead-times of 12-24 months. U-Boat Worx announced the start of series production of the NEMO in September 2022, which according to the company, makes them the only volume produced private submersibles in the world and it expects to be able to deliver from stock towards the end of 2023.
The one-seater NEMO 1 and the two-seater NEMO 2 are available on the market for €545,000 and €590,000 with both models featuring U-Boat Worx’s signature seamless acrylic spherical viewport, battery powered propulsion, multiple safety systems, air-conditioning, and certification by classification society DNV.
U-Boat Worx claims its submersibles prices are approximately 80% lower than “any other submersible in the market today”.
“We set out on a mission to introduce safe and effortless access to the underwater world to as many people as possible,” says Bert Houtman, founder and CEO of U-Boat Worx. “With the NEMO pricing revolution, we’re now taking the next step in this journey with the aim of having 1000 submarines in operation by 2030.”
NEMO is supported by a range of specially developed launch options designed to avoid the need for a superyacht, including a special boat lift, beach launcher, car trailer and selection of support boats. Once a NEMO submersible has been purchased, owners have the choice to undergo pilot training at U-Boat Worx’ Sub Center Curaçao or at private premises.
In 2022, U-Boat Worx added a new nine-person model to its range of submersibles, as well as unveiling designs for a submersible superyacht.