LEVIATHAN Expedition Mega Yacht - 111m (364ft)

🇺🇸 THE OWNER ALSO OWNS THE WHOLE SHIPYARD:

The vessel was not merely purchased from a shipyard. The shipyard itself was purchased by the owner of the vessel during the construction process.

Gabe Newell, known globally as the architect of the Steam gaming platform, has long held an affinity for the ocean that parallels his interest in digital ecosystems. His maritime interests are consolidated under Inkfish, a marine research organization that utilizes private vessels for public science. Before ”Leviathan”, Newell’s fleet already included notable vessels such as the 78.5-meter ”Rocinante” and the former support vessel ”Dapple”, which have been instrumental in deep-sea submersible operations.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the maritime industry, it was announced on August 2025, that Gabe Newell had acquired Oceanco, the shipyard building this superyacht. Oceanco, based in Alblasserdam, has long been considered one of the top three custom yacht builders in the world (alongside Lürssen and Feadship).

The acquisition was not a hostile takeover but a strategic alignment. The previous owners, the Barwani family, had stewarded the yard for 15 years. Newell’s entry brought a new philosophy: he stated he would not be a passive financier but rather a hands-on visionary.

🇺🇸 THE OWNER ALSO OWNS THE WHOLE SHIPYARD:

The vessel was not merely purchased from a shipyard. The shipyard itself was purchased by the owner of the vessel during the construction process.

Gabe Newell, known globally as the architect of the Steam gaming platform, has long held an affinity for the ocean that parallels his interest in digital ecosystems. His maritime interests are consolidated under Inkfish, a marine research organization that utilizes private vessels for public science. Before ”Leviathan”, Newell’s fleet already included notable vessels such as the 78.5-meter ”Rocinante” and the former support vessel ”Dapple”, which have been instrumental in deep-sea submersible operations.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the maritime industry, it was announced on August 2025, that Gabe Newell had acquired Oceanco, the shipyard building this superyacht. Oceanco, based in Alblasserdam, has long been considered one of the top three custom yacht builders in the world (alongside Lürssen and Feadship).

The acquisition was not a hostile takeover but a strategic alignment. The previous owners, the Barwani family, had stewarded the yard for 15 years. Newell’s entry brought a new philosophy: he stated he would not be a passive financier but rather a hands-on visionary.

🔋 THE TECH BEHIND IT ALL:

Unlike traditional yachts that use diesel engines connected to fixed propeller shafts, ”Leviathan” utilizes a Diesel-Electric architecture powering two ABB DO980P Azipod units For information, an Azipod is an electric motor housed in a submerged pod outside the ship's hull. The pod can rotate 360 degrees, eliminating the need for rudders and stern thrusters.

The are a few advantages. Maneuverability: the vectorable thrust allows the 111-meter vessel to turn in its own length and hold position (Dynamic Positioning) with extreme precision, which is vital for deploying submersibles or operating near fragile coral reefs. Acoustics: because the main electric motors are underwater and outside the hull, structure-borne vibration is virtually eliminated. This is critical for the vessel’s research mandate, as high noise levels interfere with sonar and marine life observation.

At the core of the ship’s electrical grid is a massive 5.5 Megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). To put this in perspective, this is equivalent to roughly 50-60 high-end electric vehicle batteries. In standard operation, the batteries act as a buffer. If a heavy load turns on (e.g., a crane or a massive AC chiller), the battery absorbs the spike instantly, allowing the diesel generators to run at a constant, fuel-efficient RPM without fluctuating. Silent Mode: the capacity is sufficient to power the entire hotel load (lights, AC, entertainment) and propulsion at low speeds for extended periods. This allows ”Leviathan” to leave a harbor or navigate a protected sanctuary in absolute silence, with zero local emissions.

🔋 THE TECH BEHIND IT ALL:

Unlike traditional yachts that use diesel engines connected to fixed propeller shafts, ”Leviathan” utilizes a Diesel-Electric architecture powering two ABB DO980P Azipod units For information, an Azipod is an electric motor housed in a submerged pod outside the ship's hull. The pod can rotate 360 degrees, eliminating the need for rudders and stern thrusters.

The are a few advantages. Maneuverability: the vectorable thrust allows the 111-meter vessel to turn in its own length and hold position (Dynamic Positioning) with extreme precision, which is vital for deploying submersibles or operating near fragile coral reefs. Acoustics: because the main electric motors are underwater and outside the hull, structure-borne vibration is virtually eliminated. This is critical for the vessel’s research mandate, as high noise levels interfere with sonar and marine life observation.

At the core of the ship’s electrical grid is a massive 5.5 Megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). To put this in perspective, this is equivalent to roughly 50-60 high-end electric vehicle batteries. In standard operation, the batteries act as a buffer. If a heavy load turns on (e.g., a crane or a massive AC chiller), the battery absorbs the spike instantly, allowing the diesel generators to run at a constant, fuel-efficient RPM without fluctuating. Silent Mode: the capacity is sufficient to power the entire hotel load (lights, AC, entertainment) and propulsion at low speeds for extended periods. This allows ”Leviathan” to leave a harbor or navigate a protected sanctuary in absolute silence, with zero local emissions.

👪 NO BELOW DECK:

On a traditional 100m+ yacht, the crew lives and eats in the ‘tank deck’ or lower deck, completely segregated from the guest areas. Leviathan dismantles this.

The main deck features a massive dining area capable of seating 54 people simultaneously. This space is designed to host both guests and crew together, fostering a sense of shared mission rather than servitude.

The crew areas are finished with the same high-grade materials (honed stone, oak, wenge) as the guest areas. The crew has access to their own high-spec gym and wellness areas, reflecting the belief that a well-rested, respected crew performs better.

👪 NO BELOW DECK:

On a traditional 100m+ yacht, the crew lives and eats in the ‘tank deck’ or lower deck, completely segregated from the guest areas. Leviathan dismantles this.

The main deck features a massive dining area capable of seating 54 people simultaneously. This space is designed to host both guests and crew together, fostering a sense of shared mission rather than servitude.

The crew areas are finished with the same high-grade materials (honed stone, oak, wenge) as the guest areas. The crew has access to their own high-spec gym and wellness areas, reflecting the belief that a well-rested, respected crew performs better.

✏️ THE GLASS PANEL OF 3’000 NAMES:

In the main staircase of ”Leviathan”, arguably the most prominent architectural feature of the interior, stands a massive etched glass panel.

This panel does not feature artwork or abstract patterns; instead, it is engraved with the names of nearly 3’000 people. This list includes everyone who contributed to the creation of the yacht: the naval architects, the interior designers, the welders, the electricians, the carpenters, the logistics managers and the suppliers.

In the superyacht world, the labor force is usually invisible. The owner serves as the figurehead and the designer gets the credit. By permanently etching the names of the co-makers into the heart of the ship, Newell physicalized his philosophy that the vessel is a collective achievement.

It serves as a permanent reminder to every guest that they are walking inside a machine built by human hands. I love this!

✏️ THE GLASS PANEL OF 3’000 NAMES:

In the main staircase of ”Leviathan”, arguably the most prominent architectural feature of the interior, stands a massive etched glass panel.

This panel does not feature artwork or abstract patterns; instead, it is engraved with the names of nearly 3’000 people. This list includes everyone who contributed to the creation of the yacht: the naval architects, the interior designers, the welders, the electricians, the carpenters, the logistics managers and the suppliers.

In the superyacht world, the labor force is usually invisible. The owner serves as the figurehead and the designer gets the credit. By permanently etching the names of the co-makers into the heart of the ship, Newell physicalized his philosophy that the vessel is a collective achievement.

It serves as a permanent reminder to every guest that they are walking inside a machine built by human hands. I love this!

🤯 THE CRAZY AMENITIES:

THE GAMING LOUNGE: In a nod to the owner’s professional legacy, the Bridge Deck, typically reserved for a formal lounge/saloon, houses a dedicated Gaming Lounge. The room is equipped with 15 high-performance PC gaming stations and two professional racing simulators. This is likely the most advanced LAN party setup on the high seas. It serves as a primary social hub, allowing for competitive gaming tournaments involving guests and potentially crew.

DIVE CENTER: A fully equipped dive center supports both recreational diving and technical deep-sea exploration.

LABS: Wet and dry labs allow for the immediate processing of biological samples retrieved from the ocean depths.

3D PRINTING WORKSHOP: A dedicated fabrication shop allows the crew to print spare parts or prototype research tools on the fly, increasing the vessel's autonomy in remote regions.

HOSPITAL: A fully functioning hospital suite ensures medical safety during long-range expeditions far from shore-based support.

INFINITY POOL: A heated infinity pool is located on the main aft deck, offering views over the stern.

BASKETBALL COURT: Located on the upper deck aft, this facility underscores the active lifestyle encouraged onboard.

GYM: A professional-grade gym is available, with equipment specified to maintain fitness during weeks at sea.

HELIPAD: The vessel features a certified helipad capable of touch-and-go operations. This is essential for personnel transfer and emergency extraction.