T-30
New
Build
Tourist
Submarine

Key Submarine Specifications
T-30
new
100 metres metres
28
2
16m metres
3.5m metres
60m tonnes
80 kW kW
Available Worldwide (Manufacturing Location Flexible)
POA
The T-30 is a second-generation, purpose-built 28-passenger tourist submarine designed specifically for the commercial underwater tourism market. Developed under IRS (Indian Register of Shipping) classification rules — or equivalent — the T-30 represents a significant advancement in tourist submarine design, incorporating lessons learned from decades of operational experience in global submarine tourism. It is available for new manufacture and can be built at locations worldwide, including within India under the government’s Make in India initiative.
With a maximum operating depth of 100 metres and capacity for 28 passengers and 2 crew, the T-30 occupies the highly productive mid-capacity segment of the tourist submarine market — large enough to generate meaningful revenue per dive cycle, compact enough to operate in a wide range of coastal resort environments. The interior has been designed to the standard of modern commercial aviation, using composite panelling and marine-grade floor coverings to deliver passenger comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance in equal measure. A panoramic arrangement of large-diameter viewports — comprising one 1,200mm hemispherical pilot viewport and 16 × 750mm flat passenger viewports — ensures that every seat offers an unobstructed view of the underwater environment.
The propulsion system is fully electric, with dual 20kW hydrojet thruster pods providing main propulsion and four 10kW auxiliary thrusters in Kort nozzles delivering exceptional manoeuvrability. Power is drawn from dual 400V LiFePO4 battery banks providing 10–14 hours of endurance under normal operational conditions, backed by dual 24V LiFePO4 systems and a dedicated emergency battery. This architecture eliminates tethering and enables fully free-swimming operations at resort locations worldwide. A dedicated 20ft support and service container — complete with battery chargers and high-pressure air compressor — is included as standard.
Silvercrest Submarines has operated tourist submarines across multiple international markets, including Indian Ocean resort operations and the Loch Ness project, and can provide experienced pilot instructors to support commissioning, initial operations, and crew training on-site at the buyer’s resort location. Serious operators considering entry into submarine tourism, or established operators looking to upgrade capacity, are invited to use the enquiry button on this page to begin discussions with our team.
Full Submarine Specifications
- 100 metres metres maximum operational depth
- Second-generation design incorporating proven operational experience from international tourist submarine markets
- IRS classification (or equivalent) — purpose-designed to international classification society standards for manned passenger submarines
- 28-passenger capacity with 2 crew — highly productive mid-capacity format optimised for resort tourism economics
- 100-metre maximum operating depth — accesses the full range of reef and coastal seabed environments
- 1 × 1,200mm hemispherical pilot viewport plus 16 × 750mm flat passenger viewports — panoramic visibility for all seats
- Fully electric propulsion with dual 20kW hydrojets and 4 × 10kW Kort nozzle auxiliary thrusters — free-swimming, untethered operation
- Dual 400V LiFePO4 battery banks (750kWh) with 10–14 hour endurance — supports multiple daily dive cycles
- Dual 24V LiFePO4 systems plus dedicated 24V emergency battery — full redundancy throughout
- Dual HP and LP air systems; dual HP and LP oxygen systems; CO2 monitoring and scrubbing — comprehensive life support
- Aviation-standard interior: composite panel construction, marine-grade flooring, climate-controlled passenger cabin
- Dedicated 20ft support container with battery chargers and HP air compressor included as standard
- Available for manufacture in India (Make in India compliant) or worldwide — flexible build locations
- Choice of White, Yellow, Black, Red, or custom colour schemes — full exterior customisation
- On-site crew training by experienced pilot instructors; site survey service and long-term maintenance support available
- Comprehensive safety systems: dual ballast systems, drop weight, fibre optic gyro, CHIRP echo sounder, emergency breathing masks, fire suppression, Xenon strobe
Key Features of The Submarine
- Second-generation purpose-designed tourist submarine — not an adapted research or commercial platform
- IRS classification (or equivalent) throughout the build — satisfies operator, insurer, and regulatory requirements
- 28-passenger capacity at 100 metres depth — the most commercially productive mid-capacity configuration available
- All-electric propulsion with LiFePO4 batteries — zero emissions, low noise, marine park eligible
- 10–14 hour battery endurance at 400V — supports a full operational day of multiple dive cycles
- Dual redundant battery banks throughout — full electrical system redundancy built in as standard
- 1,200mm hemispherical pilot viewport plus 16 × 750mm passenger viewports — panoramic visibility for every seat
- Aviation-standard cabin construction — durability and passenger experience quality built in from new
- 20ft support container with chargers and HP compressor included — shore infrastructure provided as standard
- Available for manufacture in India (Make in India) or worldwide — flexible build locations to suit buyer requirements
- Full exterior colour customisation — brand identity and marketing integration from delivery
- On-site commissioning and crew training by Silvercrest Submarines experienced pilot instructors
- Long-term maintenance, logistics, and operational support contracts available
- Supported by an operator with direct tourist submarine experience in multiple international markets
Full T-30 Submarine Specifications
- Passenger Capacity: 28 passengers
- Crew: 2
- Maximum Operating Depth: 100 metres
- Length Overall: 16 metres
- Width Overall: 3.5 metres
- Height to Deck: 3.5 metres
- Draft (surfaced): 2.4 metres
- Dry Weight: circa 60 tonnes
- Payload Capacity: 2,100 kg
- Drop Weight: 800 kg
- Classification: IRS (Indian Register of Shipping) or equivalent
- Main Propulsion: 2 × 20 kW Hydrojet Thruster Pods
- Auxiliary Thrusters: 4 × 10 kW Electrical Thrusters in Kort Nozzles
- Total Power: 80 kW
- High Voltage Battery: 400 V / 750 kWh (in 2 banks, LiFePO4)
- Low Voltage Battery: 24 V / 30 kWh (in 2 banks, LiFePO4)
- Emergency Battery: 24 V / 20 kWh
- Battery Endurance (400V): 10–14 hours (subject to operational and environmental conditions)
- Battery Endurance (24V): 12 hours + 72 hours reserve
- HP Air: 0.5 m³ at 300 bar (supports 2 days at 12 dives/day)
- HP Oxygen: 0.2 m³ at 300 bar
- Oxygen Duration: 12 hours operational + 72 hours reserve
- Pilot Viewport: 1 × 1,200 mm hemispherical
- Passenger Viewports: 16 × 750 mm diameter flat; 2 × 200 mm diameter
- Navigation: Fibre optic gyro; dual multi-beam CHIRP echo sounder; analogue and electronic depth sensors; analogue and electronic trim and heel indicators
- Communications: Marine band VHF radio; ultrasonic underwater telephone (UWT)
- Safety Systems: CO2 monitoring; dual O2 monitoring; CO2 scrubbing; alarm and insulation resistance monitoring; emergency breathing masks; built-in and portable fire fighting; Xenon strobe; drop weight system; water variable ballast system; air main ballast system; dual HP/LP air systems; dual HP/LP oxygen systems
- External Lighting: LED lighting system; navigation lighting
- Support Container: Dedicated 20ft service and support container with battery chargers and HP air compressor (included as standard)
- Condition: New manufacture
- Availability: Available for worldwide manufacture
Key Features of the T-30
- Second-generation design incorporating accumulated knowledge from global tourist submarine operations
- IRS classification builds in the independent technical oversight that operators, insurers, and regulators require
- 28-passenger capacity at 100 metres depth — the premium commercial segment of the tourist submarine market
- Dual redundant LiFePO4 battery systems eliminate range anxiety and support multiple daily dive cycles
- Four Kort nozzle auxiliary thrusters deliver precise manoeuvring in confined reef environments
- Aviation-standard interior finish reduces long-term maintenance burden and delivers consistent passenger experience
- Complete life support redundancy: dual air, dual oxygen, CO2 monitoring, and 72-hour emergency reserves
- 20ft support container included — no additional shore infrastructure required for basic operations
- Full exterior colour customisation supports brand identity and marketing programmes
- On-site commissioning support by experienced Silvercrest Submarines pilot instructors
- Long-term maintenance and logistics support contracts available — full operational continuity from day one
- Make in India compliant — eligible for in-country manufacture under Indian government initiative
A Purpose-Built Platform for Commercial Submarine Tourism
The tourist submarine market divides broadly into two tiers: large-capacity platforms of 40 passengers and above, which require established high-volume resort infrastructure, and smaller vessels of ten to twenty passengers, suited to entry-level or niche operations. The T-30 occupies the productive centre of this spectrum — a 28-passenger platform with the revenue-generating capacity of a large tourist submarine and the operational flexibility of a medium vessel. At typical resort pricing and an operational schedule of eight to ten dives per day, the T-30 is designed to generate the economics that attract serious tourism investors whilst remaining deliverable to a wide range of coastal site types.
The design is classified as second-generation, meaning it incorporates the lessons of a generation of tourist submarine operations into every major system. The propulsion architecture — dual hydrojet main pods combined with four Kort nozzle auxiliary thrusters — provides the underwater manoeuvrability that passengers reward with return visits and positive reviews, whilst the fully electric drivetrain eliminates the noise and emissions that frustrate operators in ecologically sensitive marine park areas. The passenger cabin is built to aviation industry standards, using composite panel construction and marine-grade floor coverings that hold their appearance under heavy daily use. The viewport arrangement, combining a 1,200mm hemispherical pilot viewport with sixteen 750mm passenger viewports, ensures that the underwater view — the product the operator is ultimately selling — is delivered consistently to every seat.
IRS classification provides the independent structural and systems oversight that commercial submarine operations require. Insurance underwriters, port authorities, and tourism regulators in most jurisdictions demand evidence of classification society involvement in the design and build. The T-30 is designed from the outset to satisfy those requirements, removing a significant obstacle that operators face when attempting to certify purpose-built submarines or adapted vessels that were not conceived with classification in mind.
The submarine is available for manufacture in India under the Make in India initiative, or at suitable facilities worldwide. Silvercrest Submarines and manufacturing partner SSD can accommodate buyer preferences on build location, and can provide experienced commissioning staff to support initial operations. Operators seriously considering entry into submarine tourism, or existing operators seeking to expand their fleet capacity, are invited to use the enquiry button on this page to open a direct conversation with our team.
Design and Construction
The T-30 is a fully enclosed, free-swimming, one-atmosphere passenger submarine — its pressure hull maintains a safe, air-conditioned environment for passengers and crew throughout the dive regardless of depth, eliminating the hyperbaric risks associated with wet or ambient-pressure submersibles. The hull is designed under IRS classification rules for submersibles, with a build programme conducted under classification society survey to ensure structural integrity and systems compliance are independently verified at each stage of construction. The pressure vessel is sized to accommodate 28 passengers and 2 crew in a configuration that affords adequate seat pitch and circulation space for a typical 45 to 60-minute dive cycle.
The interior follows commercial aviation standards in the choice of materials and construction methods: composite panel systems, marine-grade non-slip floor coverings, and ergonomically arranged seating positioned to align each passenger seat with a dedicated viewport. The interior can be delivered in standard tourism configuration or customised for specific brand, operator, or venue requirements. External bodywork is available in White, Yellow, Black, or Red, or any combination of these, with custom graphics, corporate branding, and sponsor panels available to support operator marketing programmes.
Viewport Configuration
The T-30’s viewport arrangement has been designed around the passenger experience. The primary pilot station is served by a 1,200mm hemispherical viewport that provides the pilot with a wide field of view for navigation and obstacle clearance. Each of the sixteen passenger positions is aligned with a dedicated 750mm flat viewport. Two additional 200mm viewports are fitted to provide supplementary light and visual reference. This arrangement ensures that the underwater view — the primary product being delivered to each passenger — is consistent, unobstructed, and of sufficient diameter to convey genuine immersion in the underwater environment. The viewport design meets the optical and structural requirements of the classification society rules under which the submarine is built.
Propulsion and Power Systems
The T-30 uses a fully electric propulsion system with no diesel component. Main drive is provided by two 20kW hydrojet thruster pods, delivering efficient forward propulsion with low noise and vibration. Four 10kW electrical thrusters in Kort nozzles provide the lateral, vertical, and manoeuvring authority that passenger submarines require to hold position over reef structures and navigate in moderate current conditions. The Kort nozzle configuration increases thruster efficiency and reduces the risk of biological material ingestion in shallow reef environments.
Power is drawn from dual 400V LiFePO4 battery banks totalling 750kWh, arranged in two independent banks to maintain redundancy in the event of a single bank failure. Under normal operational conditions — typically eight to twelve dives per day at a coastal resort — the 400V system provides 10 to 14 hours of propulsion endurance, accommodating a full operational day with reserve capacity. The dual 24V LiFePO4 systems power control, navigation, communications, and hotel load systems, with 12 hours of normal endurance and a 72-hour emergency reserve. A separate 24V emergency battery provides an independent power source for critical safety systems. Battery recharging is managed via the included 20ft support container, which houses the battery charging infrastructure alongside a high-pressure air compressor.
Safety Systems and Life Support
The T-30’s safety architecture reflects the requirements of a commercial passenger vessel operating to 100 metres. The high-pressure air system carries 0.5m³ at 300 bar — sufficient for two days of normal operations at twelve dives per day — and serves the main ballast system. The HP oxygen system carries 0.2m³ at 300 bar, providing 12 hours of normal life support with a 72-hour emergency reserve. CO2 levels are continuously monitored by a dedicated monitoring system and managed by the onboard scrubbing system. Dual oxygen monitoring systems provide independent verification of cabin atmosphere quality throughout the dive. Emergency breathing masks are carried for all occupants.
Buoyancy management uses a water variable ballast system for operational trim adjustment, combined with an air main ballast system and a mechanical drop weight system rated at 800kg for emergency positive buoyancy. All primary systems are duplicated. The alarm and insulation resistance monitoring system provides continuous surveillance of electrical system integrity, which is particularly important in the high-voltage LiFePO4 environment. Built-in and portable fire suppression systems are fitted throughout. A Xenon strobe is fitted as an external emergency locating beacon.
Navigation, Communications, and Sensor Systems
The T-30’s navigation suite is centred on a fibre optic gyro providing continuous heading reference independent of magnetic interference — important in reef environments where metallic seabed features can affect magnetic compass accuracy. Depth measurement is provided by both analogue and electronic sensors, giving the pilot redundant depth information throughout the dive. Trim and heel are similarly monitored by both analogue and electronic indicators. A dual multi-beam echo sounder using CHIRP technology provides the pilot with real-time seabed ranging and obstacle avoidance information. A forward-looking multi-beam sonar system is available as an optional extra for operations in lower-visibility conditions.
Surface communications are provided by marine band VHF radio. Underwater communications between the submarine and surface support are maintained by ultrasonic underwater telephone (UWT). External LED lighting illuminates the seabed and reef for passengers and is managed from the pilot station. The submarine’s navigation lighting meets the requirements applicable to its operational environment.
Support Equipment
Every T-30 is supplied with a dedicated 20ft service and support container as standard. The container houses the battery charging system for both the 400V and 24V battery banks, together with a high-pressure air compressor for replenishing the HP air and oxygen systems between dive cycles. This self-contained support infrastructure means that a T-30 operation can be established at a resort pier or jetty with minimal additional shore-side investment. The container provides a weatherproof, secure, and purpose-organised working environment for the submarine’s technical crew between dives.
Market Applications
The T-30 is designed for the commercial tourist submarine market, where the primary application is operating scheduled passenger dives from a coastal resort, marina, or purpose-built submarine terminal. The 28-passenger capacity and 100-metre depth rating place the T-30 in the segment of the market capable of reaching the most biodiverse reef and seabed environments at major tropical and subtropical diving destinations. Secondary applications include private charter operations, film and media production support, and marine research programme transport, although the vessel’s fundamental design and classification are optimised for commercial tourism use.
The T-30’s all-electric drivetrain and classification society build standard make it eligible for operation in designated marine park areas and sensitive ecological zones where diesel emissions and noise are prohibited. This opens site options that are not available to conventionally powered vessels and supports the growing demand from destination resorts for sustainable, low-impact visitor experience products.
Operational Requirements and Infrastructure
Tourist submarine operations require a sheltered embarkation and disembarkation point — typically a fixed or floating pontoon — with sufficient depth of water at the dive site to reach the intended seabed or reef environment. A site survey is available from Silvercrest Submarines as part of the commissioning package to assess the suitability of a proposed site, characterise the underwater environment, and identify any infrastructure requirements. The T-30’s 20ft support container provides all primary electrical and air charging infrastructure, reducing the shore-side capital investment required to establish operations. A surface support vessel for diver safety cover and passenger transfer is recommended for all operational locations.
Operating crew requirements are two pilots per dive cycle, trained to the classification society standard applicable in the buyer’s jurisdiction. Silvercrest Submarines can provide experienced pilot instructors for on-site training at the buyer’s resort location, with the training programme structured to allow commercial passenger operations to begin during the training period rather than after it concludes.
Manufacturing and Delivery Support
The T-30 is available for new manufacture at suitable facilities in India under the Make in India initiative, or at other locations worldwide. Build duration from contract to delivery is subject to agreement at the time of order and will depend on the chosen build location, classification society requirements, and any custom specifications agreed with the buyer. Silvercrest Submarines and SSD can provide site setup assistance, commissioning support, crew training, and long-term maintenance and logistics contracts to support the buyer’s operation from the earliest stages through to sustained commercial service.
Why Choose the T-30
The T-30’s second-generation design reflects accumulated learning from actual tourist submarine operations in resort environments worldwide. Where first-generation tourist submarines were adapted from commercial or research platforms, the T-30 is purpose-designed for tourism from the outset — in passenger cabin specification, in propulsion architecture, in viewport arrangement, and in the included shore support infrastructure. The result is a submarine that is easier to operate, less expensive to maintain, and more reliably productive than converted platforms of equivalent or greater capacity.
Why Silvercrest Submarines
Silvercrest Submarines has operated tourist submarines in commercial service — including two 10-passenger Mergo T-subs in the Indian Ocean and the TAURUS DSRV at Loch Ness with over 1,000 passenger dives — and understands the commercial and operational requirements of submarine tourism from the operator’s perspective, not merely from a sales or manufacturing standpoint. This means the advice and support provided alongside a T-30 acquisition is informed by direct operational experience rather than theoretical knowledge. From site selection and regulatory approval through to crew training and long-term maintenance support, Silvercrest Submarines can provide continuity of support across the full lifecycle of the buyer’s submarine tourism operation.
Next Steps for Interested Buyers
The T-30 is available for new manufacture and enquiries are welcomed from operators and investors at any stage of the planning process — from initial feasibility assessment through to firm order. Use the enquiry button on this page to contact the Silvercrest Submarines team directly. Your message will include details of this listing so that we can respond with information relevant to your specific site, jurisdiction, and operational requirements without delay. Price is on application.
This Submarine Is Ideal For:
Resort and Hotel Operators Entering Submarine Tourism
The T-30’s 28-passenger capacity and all-inclusive support package make it the most straightforward entry point available for resort operators looking to add submarine tourism to their guest experience portfolio. With classification society oversight built into the build programme, on-site crew training available from Silvercrest Submarines, and a 20ft support container included as standard, the T-30 reduces the complexity and capital investment associated with establishing a submarine tourism operation. Operators at established coastal resorts in tropical and subtropical destinations will find the T-30’s depth rating, operating economics, and commissioning support well matched to a commercially viable operation from the outset.
Existing Submarine Tourism Operators Upgrading or Expanding Fleet
For operators currently running smaller tourist submarines or ageing first-generation platforms, the T-30 offers a pathway to increased capacity and modern operational standards. The second-generation design brings LiFePO4 battery chemistry, Kort nozzle auxiliary thrusters, and aviation-standard interior construction to a capacity level that produces meaningful per-dive revenue. Operators replacing older 16 to 24-passenger platforms will find the transition to 28-passenger operations improves revenue per dive cycle without requiring a step-change in surface infrastructure or crew numbers.
Tourism Investment Groups and Resort Developers
Tourism investment groups evaluating submarine tourism as a revenue-generating attraction within a larger resort or destination development will find the T-30 a credible and investable platform. IRS classification, a purpose-built design, and the involvement of Silvercrest Submarines as an experienced operator and commissioning partner provide the technical credibility and risk mitigation that institutional investors and development finance providers require. Financial modelling and site survey services are available from Silvercrest Submarines to support due diligence processes.
Indian Market Operators and Make in India Projects
The T-30’s compatibility with the Make in India initiative makes it a natural choice for Indian operators and tourism infrastructure developers seeking to establish submarine tourism operations using domestically manufactured assets. The ability to conduct builds in India under IRS classification reduces import costs and logistics complexity whilst satisfying government initiative requirements. Silvercrest Submarines and SSD can provide in-country build support, commissioning assistance, and the crew training programme required to bring an Indian submarine tourism operation into commercial service.
Marine Park and Eco-Tourism Operators
The T-30’s all-electric drivetrain and classification-compliant build make it eligible for operation in designated marine protected areas and sensitive ecological zones. For eco-tourism operators and marine park authorities seeking to provide controlled visitor access to reef environments without the disturbance associated with conventional motorised vessels, the T-30 offers a low-impact, high-capacity solution. The absence of diesel emissions and the reduced acoustic signature of the electric propulsion system are particularly relevant to operations in areas where noise and water quality standards are enforced.
Film, Media, and Broadcast Production Companies
The T-30’s 28-passenger capacity can accommodate a production crew of meaningful size alongside filming equipment, whilst the panoramic viewport arrangement and stable underwater platform provide a controlled environment for underwater filming operations. Operators who charter the submarine to media productions between scheduled tourism cycles benefit from an additional revenue stream that requires no modification to the vessel’s core configuration. Silvercrest Submarines has direct experience supporting BBC and international media underwater filming operations and can advise on the requirements of film production charters.
Summary of Core Facts
- Second-generation purpose-designed tourist submarine — not an adapted research or commercial platform
- IRS classification (or equivalent) throughout the build — satisfies operator, insurer, and regulatory requirements
- 28-passenger capacity at 100 metres depth — the most commercially productive mid-capacity configuration available
- All-electric propulsion with LiFePO4 batteries — zero emissions, low noise, marine park eligible
- 10–14 hour battery endurance at 400V — supports a full operational day of multiple dive cycles
- Dual redundant battery banks throughout — full electrical system redundancy built in as standard
- 1,200mm hemispherical pilot viewport plus 16 × 750mm passenger viewports — panoramic visibility for every seat
- Aviation-standard cabin construction — durability and passenger experience quality built in from new
- 20ft support container with chargers and HP compressor included — shore infrastructure provided as standard
- Available for manufacture in India (Make in India) or worldwide — flexible build locations to suit buyer requirements
- Full exterior colour customisation — brand identity and marketing integration from delivery
- On-site commissioning and crew training by Silvercrest Submarines experienced pilot instructors
- Long-term maintenance, logistics, and operational support contracts available
- Supported by an operator with direct tourist submarine experience in multiple international markets
Additional Information
Classification and Regulatory Compliance
The T-30 is designed for construction under IRS (Indian Register of Shipping) rules for submersibles, or an equivalent internationally recognised classification society as agreed with the buyer. Classification society oversight throughout the build programme provides the independent technical assurance that operating authorities and insurance underwriters require for commercial passenger submarine operations. Silvercrest Submarines can advise on the classification requirements applicable to the buyer’s intended operating jurisdiction and can assist with the approval process as part of the commissioning support package.
Build Locations and the Make in India Initiative
The T-30 is available for manufacture in India in support of the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, with builds conducted on-site at the buyer’s chosen location in India. Manufacture can also be arranged at suitable facilities in other countries worldwide. Silvercrest Submarines and its manufacturing partner SSD can advise on preferred build facilities, logistics, and the arrangements required to support local manufacture depending on the buyer’s location and requirements.
Commissioning and Startup Support
Silvercrest Submarines can provide two experienced submarine pilot instructors to support the commissioning and early operational phase of the buyer’s tourist submarine business. These instructors conduct passenger-carrying operations at the resort whilst simultaneously training local crew, allowing revenue-generating operations to begin almost immediately. The final stages of build training and site setup can be managed concurrently, minimising the gap between delivery and full commercial operation.
Operational Economics
With a 28-passenger capacity and a typical dive cycle of 45–60 minutes, the T-30 is designed to support multiple daily dives at resort and coastal tourism locations. The all-electric drivetrain and LiFePO4 battery chemistry deliver low operational running costs and predictable maintenance schedules. Financial modelling is available from Silvercrest Submarines on request to assist operators in assessing the commercial viability of tourist submarine operations at their intended site.



