Breda, The Netherlands – July – U-Boat Worx, the world’s leading manufacturer of manned submersibles, is proud to unveil a new chapter in its development with the formation of three dedicated divisions: UBW Exploration, UBW Components, and UBW Naval. This strategic restructuring is designed to sharpen the company’s focus, accelerate innovation, and expand its reach across the exploration, industrial, and naval sectors.

Over the past two decades, U-Boat Worx has delivered over 60 submersibles to clients around the world. From luxury yachts and private owners to cruise operators and research institutions, its submersibles have enabled thousands of people to explore the oceans like never before. With demand rising across different segments of the market, the time is right to refine the company’s structure to better serve its diverse customer base.

Three Divisions, One Mission: Making the Ocean Accessible

• UBW Exploration

This division will continue to design and manufacture the iconic manned submersibles that made the brand world-renowned. This includes the Cruise Sub series (7-11 pax) for group tourism, to the (2-3 pax) compact NEMO, Super Yacht Sub and high speed SuperSub . In addition to direct sales, this division now offers a wet-lease program enabling clients to charter submersibles with full crew and technical support for both short- and long-term deployment. This new service model lowers barriers to access and enhances operational flexibility for cruise lines, resorts, and ocean-based experiences.

• UBW Components

Dedicated to the development of critical subsea technologies such as pressure-tolerant battery packs, custom lighting systems, thrusters, and control electronics, UBW Components leverages U-Boat Worx’ engineering legacy. These components, originally designed for UBW submersibles, will now be made available to third-party OEMs and operators — creating new commercial pathways and reinforcing the company’s role as a trusted supplier to the broader subsea industry.

• UBW Naval

This division focuses on developing submersible systems for surveillance, infrastructure protection, and strategic mobility in complex maritime environments.  With an increasing need for versatile and rapid-response underwater platforms, UBW Naval will offer mission-specific solutions tailored to operational requirements. Whether it’s crewed or uncrewed submersibles for naval reconnaissance or compact units for search and rescue in disaster zones, this division will play a critical role in advancing maritime safety and sovereignty.

Welcoming New Leadership

U-Boat Worx is also pleased to announce Wilbert Versteeg as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years of experience in the maritime industry, Versteeg brings a deep understanding of the sector and a clear vision for the future.

“This new structure allows each division to act with clarity, autonomy and purpose,” says Wilbert Versteeg, CEO of U-Boat Worx. “My mission is to make U-Boat Worx the most accessible, innovative, and operationally reliable submersible company in the world — whether serving a private client or a government program. We will lead with excellence, and we will deliver with precision.”

Under his leadership, U-Boat Worx will strengthen its commercial footprint, expand its wet lease offerings, scale its naval activities, and cement its position as the most vertically integrated manufacturer of manned or unmanned submersibles in the world.

A New Era of Focused Innovation

This restructuring comes at a time when interest in subsea access is surging across industries. From tourism and research to offshore infrastructure and national security, operators are seeking safe, efficient, and certified underwater solutions. With its vertically integrated model – covering everything from design and engineering to manufacturing and pilot training – U-Boat Worx is uniquely equipped to meet this demand.

“We’ve always pushed the limits of what’s possible beneath the surface,” says Roy Heijdra, Marketing Director at U-Boat Worx. “By introducing these three divisions, we can better tell our story and directly support the goals of every customer group—whether you’re a yacht owner, cruise operator, subsea engineer, or naval operator.”

Leading the Way Forward

With this strategic reorganization, U-Boat Worx reinforces its position as the most vertically integrated and forward-thinking manufacturer in the manned submersible sector. Each division—UBW Exploration, UBW Components, and UBW Naval—will play a vital role in advancing the company’s mission: To inspire discovery, enhance safety, contribute to national security, and unlock new frontiers beneath the waves.

Together, these divisions drive a bold, unified vision:

Making the Ocean Accessible, Sustainable, Safe, and Unforgettable — for today’s explorers and future generations around the globe.