Having the capability of performing a private submarine dive experience is a unique selling point for any research organisation – allowing scientists and researchers with restricted access to explore the deepest and most far-flung regions of the world’s oceans.
U-Boat Worx’ research submersibles can be applied in various fields of marine and related sciences: marine geology and geophysics, hydro- and geo- chemistry, hydrology, marine biology and ecology, marine protected areas, coastal management and cartography, archaeology and more.
U-Boat Worx’ research submersibles can be outfitted with a variety of different options depending on the application: 4K Video Camera with Pan & Tilt; Manipulator Arm with collection basket; Sampling devices; Geophysical Systems (magnetometers, side scan sonars, bottom profilers, sub-bottom profilers); Inspection Equipment (Gas Analysers, Laser Scaling, Thermal Cameras, Radiation Meters); 2D / 3D Sonars; LBL & USBL Acoustic Positioning Equipment.
Our environmentally friendly Lithium-ion battery system – developed in-house by U-Boat Worx – results in a 350% increase of battery capacity when compared to traditional submersibles that use lead-acid battery power. The technology has been tested to 4,000 metres deep and stores a total of 62 kWh. An abundance of power makes it possible to apply more and stronger electrical thrusters, extend mission time, install additional lights, and halve travel time between the surface and the ocean floor.
Thanks to the submersible and skilled pilot of U-Boat Worx we were able to uncover new secrets from depths that were impossible to reach before. Despite the demanding dive schedule, weather and unchartered depths, we successfully achieved our objective of mapping each shipwreck and surrounding areas.
The sister ship of the infamous Titanic, Britannic sank 100 years ago in the Aegean Sea. It is however much easier to dive and explore than the Titanic. The wreck of HMHS Britannic in about 400 feet (122 m) of water where the C-Explorer 5 equipped with imaging sonar and 4K camera’s went down to film the expedition. This vessel is the largest passenger ship on the sea floor, followed by Titanic.
The C-Explorer 3 – the submarine used during this operation – was equipped with cameras to take both video and digital images of each of these ancient wreck sites. Hundreds of high-resolution images were recorded of each of the shipwrecks as the submersible was guided with precision over the wrecks. After each dive, the digital images were processed onsite, utilising special software, into detailed 2D and 3D photo mosaics. These were provided to the Italian authorities that accompanied the expedition.
The SS Burdigala was a French and ex-German ocean liner that hit a mine laid by U-73 (the same submarine which sunk HMHS Britannic) in the Aegean sea. The Super Yacht Sub 3 was used inspect the sponges that have been growing since she sank over a hundred years ago.
The Save Our Seas organisation collected information on whale sharks, which are specially adapted to a diet of zooplankton, harmless and very passive in nature. By taking ID shots of the whale sharks found in the area, The Save Our Seas foundation has been able to contribute vital information to other organisations concentrating on the conservation of the whale shark, the biggest fish in the ocean.