Gabe Newell’s 111m Oceanco Leviathan superyacht delivered

The 111 meter Oceanco superyacht Leviathan was delivered following successful sea trials off the coast of Stellendam, the Netherlands. Owned by Gabe Newell – American video game developer and new owner of Oceanco – the diesel-electric vessel embodies a human-centered design approach and is a collaboration between owner, crew and builders, aimed at improving operational efficiency and crew well-being.

“Working with the Oceanco team is incredibly enjoyable and a lot of fun; everyone is professional, creative and dynamic,” Newell said. “We knew we were asking for unusual things, and Oceanco welcomed it with open arms. Not only did we design a very unusual yacht that builds on Oceanco’s strengths in innovation and design, but the team was also willing to collaborate with us to evolve the process.”

“What makes Leviathan the way it came to life is so unique,” ​​added Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco. “From the beginning, we knew that nothing about it would be done in a traditional way. We were welcomed into the team alongside Gabe and everyone who would ultimately be involved in its operation. It is this level of collaboration that defines Leviathan apart from anything we’ve built before.

Onkenhout added that, following the results of its sea trials, Leviathan is officially the “most comfortable yacht ever designed, built and delivered by Oceanco”.

The naval architecture was carried out by the yard and Lateral Naval Architects, with the exterior designed by Oceanco and the interiors by Mark Berryman, whose portfolio includes the 136 meter Lürssen. Flying fox. The yacht places a strong emphasis on team building and scientific work on board; in 2023, the yard suggested the yacht’s commitment to scientific research and discovery meant there would be “innovative technologies” as well as a convention-defying layout that aims to bring groups together.

Leviathan replaces traditional high-maintenance materials, such as teak decks and wooden handrails, with composite alternatives and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads to reduce maintenance without compromising aesthetics. Materials such as polished stone and natural wool rugs were chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance, with the aim of minimizing repetitive maintenance tasks.

The project was a synthesis of collaboration, with Newell actively participating in key decisions alongside YTMC, who served as technical representatives of the owner, and brokerage firm Y.CO. While the yacht’s design reflects a move towards more focused exploitation of the yacht, additional expertise from crew members and co-builders was crucial to optimize functionality and comfort.

As a tribute to the spirit of collaboration at the heart of this project, a glass panel engraved with the names of more than 2,000 people involved in the construction now stands LeviathanThe main staircase – a permanent reminder that this yacht was built by people, for people.

“Leviathan represents a new philosophy in yachting – one that places greater purpose at the heart of design, ownership and operations,” said Deniz de Koningh, Project Director at Oceanco. “The owner’s vision is a forward-thinking example of how yachts can be built and used with intention. We’re excited to see the influence she could have in shaping the future of the industry. »

Dan Morgan, Managing Director of YTMC, added: “A sanctuary of comfort where silence meets strength, Leviathan wrapped in its crisp lines represents a superb synergy of form and function.

“It’s not just a high-performance vessel,” said Charlie Birkett, CEO and co-founder of Y.CO. “It’s a functioning ecosystem, designed to support everything from world-class hospitality to scientific research. That’s what happens when you put people and purpose at the center.”

Leviathan features a diesel-electric power plant and battery-powered energy storage system, enabling extended periods of emissions-free operation. Oceanco also revealed in 2023 that the yacht has advanced wastewater treatment designed to meet high environmental standards.

The delivery of Leviathan comes during a busy period for Oceanco, which has three major projects over 80 meters currently under construction, according to BOATPro. She was one of the largest yachts under construction at Oceanco and is the third largest vessel in the yard’s fleet (in length) after the 127 meter. Koru and 117 meters Infinity.

The site also made headlines earlier this year following its acquisition by Gabe Newell, co-founder of video game company Valve. In a statement, Oceanco described Newell as “a hands-on visionary who respects the sea, the boat and, above all, the people who make it possible.”

Learn more/Oceanco bought by video game developer Gabe Newell