What Underwater Lights does

Underwater Lights Limited, founded in 1991 by Peter Urquhart, is a UK-based manufacturer of underwater LED lighting systems for superyachts (20m to 300m+) and leisure marine vessels (10m to 30m). Operating from a 5,000 sq ft purpose-built facility, The Great Dunton Forge, in Sevenoaks, Kent, the company pioneered underwater yacht lighting with the original Bulleyt range installed on M.Y. Lady Marina in 1991 — a fixture that remains operational today. The product portfolio is deliberately compact and centred on the QTS modular platform (QTS-75, QTS-100 AC/DC, QTS-130, QTE-140) plus the QT-80-Ti, all built from titanium, aluminium bronze, and borosilicate glass, delivering 10,000 to 25,000 lumens with interchangeable inserts, RGBW colour options, and pressure ratings certified up to 100 bar.

The company generates revenue through one-time hardware sales to shipyards and yacht owners, supplemented by professional retrofit services that upgrade both legacy UWL installations and competitor fixtures (AquaSignal, DeepSea, Lumishore, Seavision) to LED technology without hull modifications or haul-outs. Pricing is bespoke and quote-based; the company maintains no public price list. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise engagement with 46 named leading shipyards globally (including Lurssen, Benetti, Azimut, Amels, Damen, Sunseeker, Fountaine Pajot), a selective dealer network across Turkey, France, Greece, Italy, and the USA, event-driven sales via major boat shows such as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and digital content (Vimeo video gallery, editorial news). All products use LRS 3.2-certified materials and carry type approvals from Lloyd's Register, RINA, ABS, and DNV, with ISO 9001 certification achieved in 2023.

Critically, Underwater Lights has preserved identical thread and internal sizing standards since 1991, creating a structural switching cost for the installed base: retrofits can only be performed with UWL projectors and without hauling the vessel. The company is family-owned (Peter Urquhart as Founder and Managing Director, Klare Urquhart as Finance Director) with no external institutional investors, no parent company, and no subsidiaries, operating as a profitable specialty manufacturer over a 34-year continuous track record.

Name

Underwater Lights

Legal name

Underwater Lights Limited

Website

https://underwaterlights.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Underwater Lights Limited is a UK-based, family-owned manufacturer of underwater LED lighting systems for superyachts and leisure marine vessels, operating since 1991 with full in-house UK manufacturing, classification society approvals (Lloyd's, RINA, ABS, DNV), and a deliberately compact product range.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Lighting

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Lighting & Signaling Systems (Internal/External) (IMAJAJAJ)

Keywords

• Underwater LED lighting
• Superyacht lighting systems
• Marine thru-hull lights
• LED retrofit solutions
• Marine classification approved lighting

Headquarters

HQ city

Sevenoaks

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Underwater Lighting Hardware Sales: One-time sale of underwater LED lighting fixtures (thru-hull, weld-in, flush-fit models) for superyachts and leisure marine vessels. Products include QTS-100, QTS-75, QTS-130, QTE-140, QT-80-Ti and related accessories. Revenue is generated per unit with pricing based on model, lumen output, and power configuration.
2. Retrofit and Upgrade Services: Retrofitting existing underwater lights with latest LED technology, including replacement of metal halide projectors and ballasts with LED projectors and drivers. Services also cover competitor product retrofits (AquaSignal, DeepSea, Lumishore, Seavision). Can be performed with yacht in the water.
3. Spare Parts and Components: Supply of original replacement parts including O-rings, gaskets, lamp holders, projectors, and glass for both current LED products and legacy metal halide systems installed from 1991 onwards.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Underwater Lights Limited designs and manufactures underwater LED lighting systems for superyachts and leisure marine vessels. The company offers a focused range of thru-hull, weld-in, and flush-fit underwater lights in titanium and aluminium construction, plus retrofit LED solutions that upgrade legacy and competitor products without hull modifications. All manufacturing is conducted in-house at a 5,000 sq ft ISO 9001-certified UK facility using only LRS 3.2-certified materials.

Product overview

Underwater Lights Limited is a UK-based manufacturer of underwater lighting solutions for the marine industry, founded in 1991. The company operates a focused product portfolio centred on three core product lines: the Superyacht series (QTE-140, QTS-75, QTS-130, QTS-100) for large vessels, the Leisure Marine series (QTS-100, QT-80-Ti) for smaller boats, and a comprehensive Retrofit program that enables upgrades of both the company's legacy products (Bulleyt, ULTiMATE, QT LED) and competitor brands (AquaSignal, DeepSea, Lumishore, Seavision) to modern LED technology without hull modifications. The QTS-100 serves as the flagship platform featuring a modular 'one-size-fits-all' titanium housing that accommodates interchangeable LED projectors ranging from 3,500 to 20,000 lumens. The company maintains ISO 9001 certification and classification society approvals from Lloyd's Register, RINA, ABS, and DNV across its manufacturing facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• QTE-140 High-performance flush-mounted underwater light for steel and aluminium hulls featuring a 140mm insert with 120-degree beam angle in RGBW, white, and blue configurations. Approved by Lloyd's, DNV, and RINA with Lloyd's 3.2 certified materials.
• QTS-75 High-performance weld-in underwater light designed for steel and aluminium hulls with 120-degree beam angle, white/blue/RGBW options, and universal LED ball adjustment. Lloyd's, DNV, and RINA approved with Lloyds 3.2 certified inserts.
• QTS-130 Thru-hull underwater light for GRP/fiberglass/wooden hulls over 20 metres with 100-110 degree beam angle, available in white/blue (20,000 lumens) and RGBW configurations. Features aluminium bronze front face, borosilicate glass lens, and AC external driver. Lloyd's, RINA, and ABS certified.
• QTS-100-AC Robust thru-hull underwater light for yachts 10m+ with titanium face and borosilicate glass lens. Supports multiple internal configurations from 10,000-lumen DC to 20,000-lumen AC power with RGBW colour-changing. 100-110 degree beam angle. Lloyd's, RINA, and ABS certified.
• QTS-100-DC DC-powered thru-hull underwater light for yachts 10m+ with titanium face, 5083 aluminium body, and borosilicate glass lens. Offers up to 14,000 lumens with 100-degree beam angle in white or blue. Designed for carbon fibre, GRP, or timber hulls. Lloyd's, RINA, and ABS certified.
• QT-80-Ti High-performance titanium-faced thru-hull light with 5083 anodised barrel for GRP/carbon fibre hulls. Delivers 3,500-7,000 lumens with 60-100 degree adjustable beam angle in white or blue. Features 12-24 VDC driver and removable LED projector for easy servicing. Lloyd's, RINA, and ABS approved.
• QT-75-Retro LED retrofit projector for existing weld-in Bulleyt, UL Ti MATE 70/75 fixed and SA range lights. Provides 20,000 lumens with 120-degree beam angle in white/blue/RGBW. Enables LED upgrade without hull modifications or haul-out using existing 110-240 VAC footprint.
• QT-80-Retro LED retrofit solution for existing Bulleyt Type A and ULTiMATE 80 Type B lights. Offers 3,500-7,000 lumens with 60-100 degree beam angle in white/blue. Allows upgrade to LED without changing hull fitting or haul-out.
• QT-130-Retro LED retrofit for existing large screwed Bulleyt, UL Ti MATE 130 fixed and SA range lights. Delivers 20,000 lumens with 100-110 degree beam angle and LED ball adjustment. Installation takes approximately one hour with no class approval modifications required.
• Aqua Signal-Retro LED retrofit projector for existing AquaSignal underwater lights, enabling upgrade to LED without changing weld-in inserts or hauling the boat. Provides 20,000 lumens with no modification to existing class approvals.
• DeepSea-Retro LED retrofit solution for existing DeepSea thru-hull lights. Available in 10,000 lumens (12/24 VDC) or 14,000 lumens (24 VDC) with 100-degree beam angle in white or blue. Enables LED upgrade without hull changes or haul-out.
• Lumishore-Retro LED retrofit for existing Lumishore weld-in underwater lights allowing upgrade to LED without changing hull fittings or hauling the boat. RGBW DMX compatible with external driver.
• Lumishore-Retro Thru-Hull AC & DC LED retrofit heatsink for existing Lumishore welded lights enabling LED upgrade without changing hull fitting. Available in 12-24 VDC and 110-240 VAC versions with up to 20,000 lumens and 110-degree beam angle.
• Seavision-Retro Thru-Hull LED retrofit heatsink (SV10) for existing Seavision thru-hull lights. Delivers 20,000 lumens with 100-110 degree beam angle in white/blue/RGBW. Installation requires no modification to original housings or class approvals.
• Seavision-Retro Weld-In LED retrofit projector (SV14) for existing Seavision weld-in lights. Provides 20,000 lumens with 120-degree beam angle enabling LED upgrade without changing existing inserts or hauling the boat.
• UC-120-Retro Thru-Hull Universal LED retrofit for competitor thru-hull fittings with body diameter machined to suit existing hole cut-out sizes (92-84mm). Available in DC (10,000-14,000 lumens) and AC (20,000 lumens) versions with RGBW option.

Quantifiable outcome

• First underwater lights installed in 1991 still operational today — a testament to build quality and longevity
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Abeking & Rasmussen GmBHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading German shipyard and superyacht builder. Underwater Lights Limited collaborates as a trusted lighting solutions provider for new build and retrofit projects.
• Alewijnse Marine BVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch marine systems integrator specialising in electrical installations for yachts and vessels.
• Alia YachtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTurkish superyacht builder known for custom aluminium yachts.
• Amels HollandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch superyacht builder part of the Damen Shipyards Group, building limitiated-edition superyachts.
• Azimut SpAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian luxury yacht manufacturer producing flybridge and yachts from 12m to 37m.
• Benetti YachtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian shipyard specialising in luxury motoryachts and superyachts, part of the Azimut|Benetti Group.
• Burger Boat CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican custom yacht builder known for aluminium and steel displacement yachts.
• CRN SpAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian shipyard part of the Ferretti Group, specialising in custom steel and aluminium megayachts from 50m to 100m.
• Damen ShipyardscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational shipbuilding and maritime solutions group with yards in the Netherlands and globally.
• Fountaine PajotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench multihull boat builder specialising in sailing catamarans and motor yachts.
• FR. Lurssen Werft GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman shipyard building some of the world's largest and most prestigious superyachts, including vessels over 100m.
• Lurssen Yacht Refit & Services GmbH & Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialist refit and service arm of Lurssen for existing superyacht maintenance and upgrades.
• PendenniscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based superyacht refit and new build yard specialising in full custom vessels.
• SunseekercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBritish luxury motor yacht manufacturer producing yachts from 13m to 50m+.
• Westport ShipyardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerican shipyard building custom composite and steel motor yachts.
• Neva Kompozit Teknoloji Marine LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorised dealer for Turkey based in Istanbul. Tersaneler Bolgesi, Sahil Bulvari, Alize Is Merkezi, No: 191/20, Tuzla-Istanbul 34947. Contact: +90 216 447 0600.
• Kent Marine EquipmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorised dealer for France based in Saint-Herblain (Nantes region). 13 Rue du Remouleur, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France.
• SakiotiscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorised dealer for Greece based in Athens. 47, Vouliagmenis Ave, 16675 Glyfada, Athens, Greece.
• Saim SpacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorised dealer for Italy based in Buccinasco (Milan area). Via Pacinotti 10, 20090 Buccinasco, Mi, Italy.
• Apollo LightingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorised dealer for the USA based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 2860 W State Rd 84, STE 114, Fort Lauderdale 33321.
• Lloyd's Register of ShippingcoreOthersLloyd's Register provides type approval and 3.2 material certification for Underwater Lights products, ensuring compliance with marine safety and performance standards. Founder Peter Urquhart previously worked as a surveyor for LRS, bringing deep knowledge of rules and regulations.
• RINAcoreOthersRINA provides type approval certification for applicable Underwater Lights products, ensuring compliance with international maritime safety standards.
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)coreOthersABS provides type approval certification for applicable Underwater Lights products (QTS-100, QT-80-Ti, QTS-130), ensuring compliance with US and international maritime safety standards.
• DNV (Det Norske Veritas)coreOthersDNV provides type approval certification for applicable Underwater Lights products (QTS-75, QTE-140), ensuring compliance with maritime safety and performance standards.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lumishore: Lumishore is a direct competitor manufacturing high-performance LED underwater lighting systems for superyachts and leisure marine vessels, with comparable RGBW colour-changing and thru-hull/weld-in product lines. UWL even offers a Lumishore-Retro product, underscoring the head-to-head competition for the same customers.
• Aqua Signal: Aqua Signal is a direct competitor in marine lighting, including underwater fixtures, and is also explicitly targeted by UWL's AquaSignal-Retro upgrade product. They compete for shipyard OEM specification on leisure and commercial marine vessels.
• DeepSea Lighting: DeepSea Lighting is a direct competitor in marine underwater LED lighting, offering thru-hull fixtures for yachts. UWL sells DeepSea-Retro projectors, indicating direct product-line overlap and competition for shared superyacht customers.
• OceanLED: OceanLED is a direct competitor producing underwater LED lights for leisure marine and yacht markets with a broad product portfolio spanning thru-hull, surface-mount, and sport-fishing applications. They compete with UWL for both new build and retrofit marine lighting specifications.
• Seavision: Seavision is a direct competitor in underwater yacht lighting with thru-hull and weld-in fixtures, and is one of the brands UWL explicitly targets with retrofit upgrade products. Both companies compete for the same superyacht OEM and refit opportunities.
• Shadow-Caster Marine LEDs: Shadow-Caster manufactures underwater marine LED lighting for boats and yachts, including colour-changing and high-output models, and competes with UWL for both leisure marine customers and smaller superyacht applications.

Broad incumbents

• Perko Inc. Perko is an established manufacturer of marine lighting, hardware, and accessories with broad distribution in recreational and commercial marine markets. They compete indirectly with UWL through their broader marine lighting portfolio targeting similar vessel customers.
• Hella Marine: Hella Marine is a broad incumbent in marine lighting, offering an extensive portfolio spanning navigation, deck, interior, and underwater LEDs for recreational and commercial vessels. While not specialised in superyacht underwater lighting, they compete at the lower end of UWL's leisure marine segment with greater scale and distribution.
• ITT Inc. (BIW Connector Systems / Marine): ITT is a broad industrial incumbent whose marine and connector products overlap with underwater vessel systems. While not a direct underwater light specialist, they are a relevant comparable given their presence in marine electrical and lighting-adjacent categories.

Others

• Alewijnse Marine: Alewijnse is a marine systems integrator and electrical installation partner listed as a UWL strategic collaborator. They are ecosystem-relevant rather than a direct competitor, but operate in the same superyacht electrical outfitting category and could be a partner or adjacent opportunity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/underwaterlights
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/underwater-lights-limited

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Underwater Lights