In build and with a launch expected next January, the Neyk luxury submarine is a collaboration between Ocean Submarine in the Netherlands, Rolls Royce, MTU and Bosch. Built in a modular construction form in high-yield steel to a design optimised by NASA, the submarine will offer what the developers say is “an unprecedented degree of luxury and customisation”. The product of eight years’ research, the 19-metre-long, fully pressurised sub will reach speeds of up to 12 knots and can carry 12 passengers to a depth of 150 metres, as well as feature “an interior from the private jet industry”, the developers say. Customisation options include fitting landing gear so that the sub can come to rest on a beach, adding a dedicated diver lock-out chamber, and transforming the nose area into a 270˚ underwater observation room. Features inside include a bar, a library and a complete galley.

Models of the sub have been fully tested. The vessel’s virtually silent electric engines are placed in pods either side, specially designed to give the propellers up to five percent additional efficiency and provide extra cooling at low speed. The design also means low drag and a very low underwater noise signature.

“My experiences convinced me that we could develop a unique submarine in partnership with experts from every branch of aviation and underwater vessels,” says founder of Ocean Submarine, Martin van Eijk. “The project began in 2009 based on a hull that would be suitable for the Navy and coastguard services, as well as the luxury market. My goal was to combine the expertise in aircraft, spaceships and underwater vessels. The result is a new generation of submarines featuring a single multi-purpose hull, offering a unique level of luxury and experience in a submarine.”