DEEPSEAKER 2: THE HYDROGEN-POWERED HYDROFOIL
The DeepSeaker DS2 by Italian startup iSpace2o is the world's first submersible hydrofoil: a vehicle that skims the surface at speeds greater than 35 knots on retractable foils, then dives to explore the seafloor at depths of up to 50 metres like an ecological personal submarine, carrying four passengers in an automotive-style 2+2 cabin pressurised to 1 ATM.
What Is the DeepSeaker DS2?
iSpace2o's DeepSeaker project began with the DS1, an experimental submersible hydrofoil prototype that proved the concept of a single vehicle capable of both high-speed surface transit and deep-water exploration. The DS2 is the production-intent successor, designed by Italian architect Giancarlo Zema and featuring a 5.5-metre hull that weighs 3,500 kg at gross vehicle weight with a 400 kg payload capacity. The hull is positively buoyant at all times, making the DS2 inherently unsinkable: if power is lost the vehicle will float to the surface rather than sinking. The aesthetic draws from fluid, tapering forms that evoke both marine biology and high-performance automotive design, creating a vehicle that looks as dramatic underwater as it does foiling above the surface.
Propulsion: DeepSpeed Electric Motors and Hydrogen Range Extender
Two DeepSpeed electric motors from Italian company Sealence drive the DS2 through both surface and submerged modes. The DeepSpeed units are thruster-style motors capable of functioning equally at the surface and at depth, eliminating the need for separate propulsion systems for the two modes of operation. The retractable foils deploy automatically for surface transit and retract before diving. A hydrogen range extender developed in partnership with MIEEG supplements the electric system for extended range, while an artificial gill system developed with LAF (Like A Fish) extracts oxygen from water for cabin air supply during submerged operation. A dedicated air purification system from Submarine Atmosphere Control Equipment (SACE) completes the life-support architecture.
Safety Systems
The DS2 incorporates full redundancy across all vital electronics and sensors. Each seat has an integrated inflatable life vest, and the cabin carries spare air cylinders, diving masks and a perimeter airbag for rapid emergency ascent. A GPS-equipped SOS marker buoy deploys automatically in an emergency situation. Trial testing of the DS2 began at the end of 2022, with full certification targeted following a fine-tuning period. iSpace2o was aiming for regulatory green light by 2024.
The DeepSeaker and the Future of Personal Submarines
The DS2 occupies a category that barely existed before: it is simultaneously a hydrofoil day boat and a personal submarine, targeting owners who want to experience both the surface and the underwater world from a single purpose-built vessel. The concept places it alongside other elite personal submarine projects rather than the conventional superyacht tender market.
The full technical specification is documented at iSpace2o's official website, with detailed engineering coverage from New Atlas. If personal submarines interest you, TheArsenale's submarine collection includes the NEMO submarine by U-Boat Worx, the Super Yacht Sub 3 and the Aurora-6S personal submarine. The full TheArsenale Watersport collection features further extreme aquatic vehicles. Photo: iSpace2o.
