A Dutch firm is building what is described as the world’s first luxury submarine, with interiors that would rival that of a private jet.

The product of eight years of research and development, Ocean Submarine is teaming up with leading experts from around the world such as Rolls Royce, MTU and Bosch to create the Neyk Submarine, which is says will be “exceptionally manoeuvrable”. 

Built in steel to a design optimised by Nasa, the submarine will offer an unprecedented degree of luxury and customisation, speeds of up to 15 knots and can carry as many as 20 passengers. 

As the submarine is based on a modular construction, owners can have anything from a classic to an ultra-modern interior style, including opting for the same look and feel as the motheryacht and/or its tenders. 

Three different models are available in 20, 22 and 24 m respectively, with six and nine-metre tender versions also available.  

The teardrop shaped design adds to the aesthetic attractions for superyacht owners. It also helps facilitate the high speed and range, which will for instance allow owners to travel anonymously underwater from their berth in Monaco or St Tropez to the helipad at Nice airport.

The submarine has a fully pressurised hull and will be exceptionally manoeuvrable. It brings together high-end technologies and components that have been proven in practice around the world in a submarine which is outfitted in state-of-the-art facilities in the Netherlands. 

A compact and lightweight structure offers various options in terms of finding the right location on a superyacht while also enabling the craft to reach speeds around three times higher than conventional private subs, the builder says. 

Customisation options include fitting landing gear so that the sub can come to rest on a beach, adding a dedicated diver lockout chamber, and transforming the nose area into a 270-degree underwater observation room. 

The first Neyk submarine will have an overall length of 19 m, a maximum displacement of 100 tonnes and be able to take up to 12 passengers to depths of 150 m or 500 ft. It will have large panoramic viewports on top and three acrylic viewports on either side, as well as comfortable seats, a bar, a library and a complete galley.

It is due for completion in January next year.