A Dutch submersible manufacturer U-Boat Worx introduced its new prototype of the world’s lightest submarine called NEMO – the model really aims to become the lightest of all existing models in this category, since it weighs only 2,500 kg.
Designed for the private use, this 2-seater lightweight submersible can be towed behind a car on a trailer for shoreside launching, and then towed to the dive site by boat or using a small yacht.
NEMO, which is currently in the final phase of production, is really promising, as it offers not only an easy but also a quick way to travel underwater. NEMO is only 155 cm high and 2500 kg in weight – it takes up less space during transportation than a pair of jet skis. Despite being a compact submarine, its performance is spectacular. Its speed under water is 3 knots (5.5 km/h or 3.4 mph) and can dive to a depth of no more than 100 meters. The submarine is designed for 8 hours of battery life.
The NEMO submarine has its own decompression system and numerous safety measures. It has automatic orientation systems, and it ascends and descends automatically if there is a problem. A special certificate is required to control NEMO; however, if necessary, a regular passenger can also perform pilot functions using the Manta controller with autopilot capabilities, including automatic heading and depth maintenance. The submarine can also be remotely controlled from a yacht or shore using the Marlin controller.
The estimated cost for the NEMO submarine is €975,000 (more than $1 million). Its production is supposed to begin when a sufficient number of orders arrive. It will come with air conditioning, a wireless underwater communications system, and a searchlight. Additional options include additional lighting, a sonar, an external pointing device, and a navigation package.
U-Boat Worx also offers training courses with the purchase of a NEMO submersible, where the owner will learn everything he or she needs to know to become a certified submersible operator. The training consists of 12-day full-time training at our facility, Sub Center Curaçao (SCC).
