Offering a diving experience like no other, the P-63 transports passengers into the depths of Lake Lucerne, providing a unique glimpse into the area’s ecology and history. The lake’s pristine condition acts as a time capsule, preserving wrecks in remarkable detail. Passengers onboard the P-63 can explore various sites, including a C-35 Swiss biplane from 1941, among many others. By facilitating access to these historical sites, Subspirit not only educates the public but also assists marine archaeologists in identifying unknown wrecks and surveying key pieces of Lake Lucerne’s maritime history.
“With the Oculus Multibeam Imaging Sonar from Blueprint Subsea, the P-63 finds its targets in absolute darkness. In real time, the wrecks can be recognized from afar on our screens,” said Philippe Epelbaum, Founder of Subspirit.
At the heart of the Subspirit submarine are four electric motors, each powered by a dedicated circuit. This innovative design ensures optimal efficiency and safety while underscoring a strong commitment to sustainable practices. By leveraging electric power, the submarine significantly reduces its environmental impact, making a crucial contribution to the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the mitigation of pollution in Alpine lakes.
Safety is paramount in Subspirit’s operations; the submarine is equipped with multiple redundant emergency systems. Applying Archimedes’ principle, the P-63 is engineered to be positively buoyant and can ascend to the surface rapidly from any depth. As a failsafe, weights can be jettisoned to facilitate this process, and releasing a recovery buoy and emptying a regulation tank can further accelerate an emergency ascent. Adhering to DNV regulations, the submarine has an onboard survival time of 96 hours, supported by oxygen reserve tanks, CO2 filters, and lithium hydroxide curtains.
On the surface, a support vessel captained by an experienced member of the Subspirit team maintains continuous contact with the submarine via hydrophone-based voice communication. The SeaTrac USBL positioning system from Blueprint Subsea provides precise location data and supports text messaging communication technology. The submarine’s safety systems undergo rigorous testing in accordance with DNV guidelines, and regular maintenance ensures their optimal performance.
Subspirit can serve as a versatile tool for a range of underwater operations, dependent on the specific instruments and equipment it carries. Potential applications include locating and maintaining submerged pipelines, creating detailed digital lakebed profiles, and conducting environmental surveys. With its onboard gripper tool and advanced Oculus sonar system, the P-63 can also assist local emergency services in search and recovery operations, enhancing the capabilities of rescue missions and contributing to public safety efforts.
Subspirit stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its founder, Philippe Epelbaum, and his continuous pursuit of sustainable exploration. The submarine’s blend of advanced technology, stringent safety measures, and environmental consciousness make it a remarkable example of modern maritime engineering. Whether for commercial, scientific, or recreational purposes, Subspirit offers an unparalleled gateway to the underwater world. At a time when responsible environmental action is crucial in technological development, the Subspirit submarine leads by example.
This story was originally featured in ON&T Magazine’s August 2024 issue. Click here to read more.
