Oceanco has unveiled the revolutionary 364-foot gigayacht, Leviathan, designed for billionaire gaming tycoon Gabe Newell, who acquired the renowned Dutch shipyard earlier this year. Newell, co-founder of Valve Corporation and a pioneer in the video gaming industry with titles like Half-Life and the platform Steam, collaborated closely with Oceanco’s team to create a unique vessel that emphasizes community and collaboration among guests and crew alike.
This remarkable initiative involved a diverse team, including YTMC, Y.CO, Lateral Naval Architects, Mark Berryman Design, and thousands of other professionals. The effort reflects an unprecedented level of cooperation in yacht design, as Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout noted, highlighting that Leviathan’s creation involved nearly 3,000 contributors who are honored with their names displayed near the yacht’s main staircase.
The yacht’s interior, designed by Berryman, is centered around fostering interaction and community. For instance, spaces typically reserved for guests are accessible to the crew, emphasizing Newell’s vision of a shared experience on the water. A prominent feature is the bridge deck, which has been transformed into a communal gaming lounge, complete with 15 gaming stations and two racing simulators. The main deck salon doubles as an expansive dining area that accommodates up to 54 individuals, while the yacht can host a total of 26 guests and 37 crew members.
Newell expressed his appreciation for Oceanco’s willingness to embrace unconventional ideas throughout the design process. Significant efforts were also made to minimize noise and vibrations within the yacht, promoting a serene onboard experience. With a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and a strategically positioned engine room, Leviathan allows for quiet operations, including night-time use powered by its built-in battery bank.
In addition to its innovative design, Leviathan offers a low-maintenance solution with its off-white exterior and synthetic materials reducing upkeep time. This allows crew members to focus on engaging with guests and enhancing their overall experience. Newell shared that this crew-centric approach enhances productivity and fosters meaningful interactions among all aboard.
The Leviathan is poised to become a significant asset in Newell’s Inkfish fleet, intended to support scientific research initiatives in marine environments. The yacht includes essential facilities such as a fully equipped dive center, laboratory, and even a hospital, alongside a 3-D printing workshop for creating spare parts. Newell emphasized the enormous potential of yachts like Leviathan to serve as platforms for scientific inquiry and community engagement, reinforcing the notion that a yacht should contribute positively to the wider world.