Submersible superyachts for billionaires, the offer of an Austrian company. The vessel, with an estimated price tag of two billion dollars, could remain submerged for four weeks

In recent years there has been a trend to build basements for billionaires – underground extensions to the homes of the rich and famous, where they can shelter and live lavishly. Now, an Austrian company wants to expand that opportunity into the world of submersible superyachts, building custom private submersibles that can descend 250 meters below the ocean’s surface and stay submerged for up to four weeks, CNN writes.

Migaloo has unveiled its ambitious plans for what it claims will be “the one and only private submersible superyacht in the world”, offering “a hitherto non-existent alternative to large private surface vessels”, reports G4Media.ro.

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Billionaires’ playground

This submarine, named the M5, would measure 165.8 meters in length and 23 meters in diameter at its widest point, with a range of about 15,000 kilometers and a surface speed of up to 20 knots ( or 12 knots when underwater). However, says Migaloo, “the desired dimensions of the submarine-yacht hybrid, exterior styling and interior design are all down to the owners’ preferences.”

So, like any billionaire superyacht worth its salt, the default design includes a heliport, a pool and spa, a gym, a cinema art gallery, a party area with a DJ booth, along with plenty of space for relaxing or dining. Optional amenities include a hot air balloon and an underwater shark feeding station.

There are also submarines that can be added so up to 12 guests can go on smaller submarines for more water activities.

“Private Submersible Fortress”

“Owners are looking for privacy, security and protection for themselves, their guests and their valuables,” says CEO Christian Gumpold on the Migaloo website. Custom security systems will be provided by US partner SAFE, which promises “military-grade protection” for what it calls “a private underwater fortress”.

What is the price of this private aquatic wonderland? Well, there’s no specific price tag on the project because of all those customization options, but the widespread estimate for the Migaloo M5 is around $2 billion to start with (and that’s before factoring in maintenance).

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Underwater dreams

The M5 uses proven technologies borrowed from existing motor yachts and submersibles, such as twin-hull construction and multi-pressure hulls, which helps with safety and feasibility. Although the question remains who has pockets deep enough to buy this submersible lair of Bond villains.

It is not the first attempt to create a luxury submarine. Aston Martin revealed plans for a $4 million concept ship in 2017. And it’s not the first time Migaloo has made headlines for showing off its extraordinary visions. At the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show, he unveiled plans for Kokomo Ailand, his 80-meter-high private floating island (with a waterfall) that you can sail on.

So, will the Migaloo M5 concept ship sail happily in reality or sink without a trace? It’s hard to say, but there’s probably still time to start saving your pennies.