Nautilus: U-Boat Worx releases new renderings of 37.5m superyacht-submarine crossover

Dutch submersible specialist U-Boat Worx has released fresh renderings of a 37.5-metre underwater superyacht concept called Nautilus. First presented during the Monaco Yacht Show 2022, the design has been developed in collaboration with German-Turkish yacht and aviation design studio Officina Armare. 

Capable of functioning as both an on-water vessel as well as a submersible, Nautilus has a depth rating of 150 metres. The diesel-electric model has a surface cruise speed of nine knots and an underwater speed of four knots and it will able to stay underwater for up to four days at a time. At cruise speed, the underwater endurance is six hours and range is 3,200 nautical miles. 

When not in use, Nautilus can be docked at any quay that can accommodate its 6.5-metre draught. 

When functioning as a yacht, Nautilus has a range of relaxation and recreational features including a sizeable sundeck equipped with a freshwater pool, a bar, and a dining table where guests can enjoy meals. When the submersible is lowered below the sea’s surface, this al fresco arrangement can be retracted.

The interior of the submersible yacht includes a 50 square metre dinner and lounge area called the Mezzanine Observation Lounge, which benefits from a set of four-metre circular windows. The proposed design for Nautilus includes a master cabin and four additional cabins, as well as sleeping quarters for up to six crew. 

Elsewhere, Nautilus is home to a pressure-resistant electrical tender, which is stowed under the aft deck. This tender, called Aronnax, may also be used for transporting five scuba divers underwater to the intended dive spot.

“People that have decided to buy a yacht will now have to consider if their vessel of choice can also dive down to 150 meters,” said U-Boat Worx chairman and founder Bert Houtman. He pointed to numerous advantages of Nautilus, including its efficacy when it comes to combatting seasickness. “If the sea becomes too rough,” said Houtman. “You simply dive and continue your voyage in comfort. With the Nautilus, the yachting market will never be the same again.”

He added that the company's vision was to allow people to explore the ocean in the safest, most comfortable and luxurious way. "Nautilus is the realisation of this vision," he said.