Congratulations to the billionaires of the world for finding their next shiny new toy. Then again, to be fair, the Super Sub, first revealed at the Monaco Yacht Show, is far more underwater supercar than toy. For $5.75 million, billionaires can now add to their superyachts a U-Boat Worx private submarine, the Super Sub, which has obtained DNV certification. From exploring the ocean’s twilight zone at 300 meters, where light fades and bioluminescence comes alive, to hitting speeds of up to 10 knots that leave dolphins and counterpart subs trailing behind, this is a machine built to explore.
There is, of course, plenty of emphasis on safety and security, as there should be, especially in a post-Titan world. The Dutch company subjected the vessel to design verification, hull-strength assessments, and sea trials to validate both the integrity of the pressure hull and the reliability of its safety systems. Now that the green flag is waving, it may be time for billionaires who have already explored most of the Med and seen all that St. Tropez has to offer to look downward instead. So, let’s explore the elements that make this submarine so spectacular and why the world’s wealthiest should be excited about what is coming their way.
Design and performance
This three-person submarine, designed for one pilot and two passengers, is about 21 feet long and weighs 9,000 kg. Powered by a 62 kWh battery, the Super Sub boasts propulsion of 4 x 25 kW plus 2 x 6 kW. Its speed of up to 10 knots is matched by remarkable agility, allowing it to move laterally, make 45-degree descents, and execute sharp turns at depth with ease.The Super Sub combines hydrofoils, multiple thrusters, sonar-assisted terrain awareness, and the SHARC controller to make that speed feel thrilling yet refined. The acrylic sphere, said to be about 9 cm thick, adds to the drama, offering an immersive underwater viewing experience, while the compact vessel also delivers an impressive diving endurance of approximately eight hours.
Safety features
In a post-Titan world, safety is not just important, it is everything, and U-Boat Worx has made that a central part of the Super Sub’s appeal. The Dutch company put the vessel through design verification, hull-strength assessments, and sea trials, with Curaçao playing an important role as a testing and training base. Inside, occupants are secured in comfortable seats fitted with five-point harnesses, while the submarine is equipped with a wide-angle sonar system offering a 130-degree field of view and a 100-meter range.
For added reassurance, the Super Sub includes maximum depth protection, a dead man’s switch, a safety buoy, drop weight, USBL, life support, and a freeboard extender. Together, these systems help position it not merely as a thrilling billionaire toy, but as a private submarine built with serious attention to safety and operational credibility.
