Poles to build pioneering underwater hotel

Photo: Deep Ocean Technology - press materials

“Hotels in Dubai and the Maldives are already interested in purchasing the model,” revealed Poland's Ministry of Regional Development in a statement.

The prototype has been developed by Deep Ocean Technology, a firm based in the Baltic city of Gdansk.

The company, which brings together scientists and engineers from the Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship Technology of Gdansk Polytechnic with other Polish scientific institutions, has already benefited from a 16 million zloty grant (3.8 million euro) from the European Union.

Although a small number of international hotels provide underwater accommodation, the ministry believes that the so-called Water Discus Hotel breaks new ground.

“It will be the first of its kind in the world,” the ministry claims.

The hotel will comprise of two principal discs, one about 10 metres below the water's surface, linked by a column to a second above water.

“This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate,” Deep Ocean Technology relates.

About 20 underwater rooms will be available to guests. (nh)