German Type VIIC submarines were preceded by the shorter Type VIIB submarines. U-722 had a displacement of 769t when at the surface and 871t while submerged. She had a total length of 67.1m (220.1feet), a pressure hull length of 50.5m (165.7feet), a beam of 6.2m (20.3feet), a height of 9.6m (31.5feet), and a draught of 4.74m (15.55feet). The submarine was powered by two Germaniawerft F46 four-stroke, six-cylinder supercharged diesel engines producing a total of NaNPS for use while surfaced, two AEG GU 460/8–27 double-acting electric motors producing a total of 750PS for use while submerged. She had two shafts and two 1.23abbr=onNaNabbr=on propellers. The boat was capable of operating at depths of up to .
The submarine had a maximum surface speed of and a maximum submerged speed of . When submerged, the boat could operate for at ; when surfaced, she could travel at . U-722 was fitted with five 53.30NaN0 torpedo tubes (four fitted at the bow and one at the stern), fourteen torpedoes, one 8.82NaN2 SK C/35 naval gun, 220 rounds, and two twin 2sp=usNaNsp=us C/30 anti-aircraft guns. The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.
The boat's career began with training at 31st U-boat Flotilla on 15 December 1943, followed by active service on 1 August 1944 as part of the 1st Flotilla. When the situation deteriorated for the Germans in France, following the invasion, she transferred to 11th Flotilla in Norway for the remainder of her service.
In three patrols she sank one merchant ship, for a total of .
U-722 took part in no wolfpacks.
U-722 was sunk on 27 March 1945 in the North Atlantic near the Hebrides, Scotland in position 57.15°N -61°W, by depth charges from British frigates, and . All hands were lost.