Exomos, member company of Dubai’s Port Customs and Free zone Corporation (PCFC), and leading manufacturer of state of the art submersibles and next generation water craft, showcased its retro styled tourist excursion submarine, the “Nautilus”, and discussed the importance of marine innovations in Dubai’s vision as leading regional business hub and tourist destination, at a press conference held on Wednesday (March 15, 2006) on its stand at the Dubai International Boat Show 2006. 
The Nautilus’ retro styling and ornate design is inspired by the Jules Verne novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Speaking at the press conference, Professor Joseph Valencic, Research and Development Consultant at Exomos, said, “Verne’s initial concept of the Nautilus was in the interests of science. Our modern Nautilus will also be used for similar purposes. Dubai is a city where up to 90 percent of the population lives within a 1 km radius of the coastline, which places great importance on marine environmental monitoring and development.”
Apart from a sea excursion and exploration craft, the Nautilus is also being billed as a tourist submarine. The submarine’s eye-catching design and antique look complement its tourist craft credentials while the interior boasts cutting-edge technology to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Herve Jaubert, CEO, Exomos, said at the conference, “The Nautilus is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. It is designed to deliver an exceptional underwater experience to the contemporary explorer and tourist. We are very keenly aware of Dubai’s vision to establish itself as premier tourist destination, and the Nautilus will add to the city’s portfolio of extraordinary offerings. At Exomos, we pride ourselves on progressive advancement, and seek to form a Dubai-based knowledge centre by drawing in the best international talent.”
The Nautilus has been designed to carry up to ten passengers and safely reach a depth of 30 metres. It costs US$ 3 million.
Also speaking at the press conference, Dr. Don Walsh, Consultant, Exomos, said, “Today we celebrate the introduction of Nautilus, the first tourist submarine in Dubai. Proudly built by Dubai-based Exomos, we hope it will be the first of many submersibles offering tourists underwater adventures in the Arabian Gulf.”
This year, Exomos has made a number of additions to its range of submersibles and water craft based on increasing market demand from the tourist, consumer and law-enforcement sector.
At the press conference, Dr Phil Nuytten, Exomos Consultant said, “Dubai is witnessing development and expansion at an unbelievable rate. The city is renowned for its astonishing progress. And here at Exomos, we hold true to Dubai’s ethos of constant innovation, and seek to contribute to it in every way. The world’s oceans are being declared the true ‘final frontier’, and it is our constant technological endeavours that allow us to breach barrier after barrier in our quest for knowledge.”
Mohammed Amin, Deputy Chief of Operations and Senior Marketing Manager, Exomos, said, “Exomos is committed to excellence and is proud to showcase a range of advanced craft all designed and manufactured in Dubai. Exomos vessels are differentiated by cutting-edge technology and continuous innovation, and we are always seeking ways to improve existing technology and develop new ideas in our aim to become a renowned centre of excellence in the region.”
Exomos is showcasing a diversity of submersibles and surface craft at its waterside stand at the Dubai International Boat Show from March 14-18, 2006. Its offerings include the SPV, a first of its kind submersible patrol vessel for police and law enforcement officials, along with its civilian version, The Proteus. Also on show is a high-speed trimaran cruiser that can carry 10 passengers at a speed estimated in excess of 70 knots, and the new TURBO JET 600 Exomos Airboat which is capable of high speeds even in one-inch shallow water.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
