Oceanco reveals first images of Gabe Newell's 111m superyacht Leviathan in operation

Dutch yard Oceanco has released the first images of the 111-metre superyacht Leviathan in operation, following her delivery and sea trials off the coast of Stellendam, the Netherlands. 

Captured in the Bahamas, the new imagery offers insight into how the yacht is being used, highlighting her human-centric design approach. Owned by Gabe Newell – American video game developer and the new owner of Oceanco – the diesel-electric vessel embodies a collaborative design philosophy aimed at improving operational efficiency and crew wellbeing.

"Working with the team at Oceanco is incredibly enjoyable and a lot of fun; everybody is professional, creative and dynamic," said Newell. "We knew we were asking for unusual things, and Oceanco embraced it with open arms. Not only have we designed a very unusual yacht that leans into Oceanco’s strengths of innovation and design, but the team has also been willing to collaborate with us on evolving the process."

The newly released images mark a departure from traditional yacht photography, placing emphasis on people and onboard life rather than static design details. This reflects the community-driven environment at the heart of the project.

"What makes Leviathan so unique is the way she came to life," added Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout. "From the very start, we knew nothing about her would be done in a traditional way. We were welcomed into the team alongside Gabe and everyone who would ultimately be involved in operating her. It is this level of collaboration that sets Leviathan apart from anything we’ve built before."

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

Naval architecture was completed by the yard and Lateral Naval Architects, with the exterior designed by Oceanco and interiors by Mark Berryman, whose portfolio includes the 136-metre Lürssen Flying Fox. The yacht has a strong focus on team building and onboard scientific work; in 2023, the yard suggested the yacht's engagement in scientific research and discovery meant there would be "innovative technologies" as well as a convention-defying layout that focuses on bringing groups together.

This approach is evident in an interior layout designed to dissolve traditional hierarchies between guest and crew spaces. What would traditionally be the main saloon has been reimagined as a large communal dining area, while recreational spaces – including a gaming lounge, basketball court and sun deck – are intended for shared use.

Leviathan replaces traditional high-maintenance materials such as teak decks and wooden handrails with composite alternatives and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads to reduce upkeep without compromising aesthetics. Materials like honed stone and natural wool carpets were chosen for durability and ease of care, aiming to minimise repetitive maintenance tasks.

The latest imagery also highlights the yacht’s crew-focused material palette, including custom Bolidt decking, bead-blasted stainless steel railings and synthetic handrails, selected to improve durability and reduce maintenance demands.

The project has been a synthesis of collaboration, with Newell actively participating in key decisions alongside YTMC, which served as the owner’s technical representatives, and brokerage firm Y.CO. As the yacht’s design reflects a shift towards more purposeful yacht operation, further expertise from crew members and co-makers has been crucial in optimising functionality and comfort throughout.

The photographs also showcase Leviathan’s fully equipped dive centre, underscoring her role within Inkfish, an organisation supporting scientific research and marine exploration across Newell’s fleet.

As a tribute to the spirit of collaboration at the heart of this project, a glass panel engraved with the names of over 2,000 individuals involved in the build now stands in Leviathan’s main staircase – a permanent reminder that this yacht was built by people, for people.

The updated figures indicate that nearly 3,000 contributors are now recognised on board, including Oceanco, YTMC, Y.CO, Mark Berryman Design, the Leviathan crew and a wider network of co-makers and partners.

"Leviathan represents a new philosophy of 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 sets a forward-thinking example of how yachts can be built and used with intent. We are excited to see the influence she may 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 her sharp lines represents a superb synergy of form and function."

"She is not just a high-performance vessel," said Charlie Birkett, CEO and co-founder of Y.CO. "She is a working ecosystem, designed to support everything from world-class hospitality to scientific research. That is what happens when you put people and purpose at the centre."

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

The delivery of Leviathan comes during a busy period for Oceanco, which has three major 80-metre-plus projects 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 shipyard's fleet (by length) following the 127-metre Koru and 117-metre Infinity.

The yard 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 craft, and above all, the people who make it possible."