Empty decks and deserted rooms - newly delivered large yachts are usually photographed in a clinical atmosphere. It had to be different with "Leviathan". On the one hand, this was due to Guillaume Plisson. The French photographer staged the 111-metre Oceanco format in the waters of the Bahamas and, above all, with the crew in the foreground. They can be seen at work, but also enjoying leisure activities such as gaming, basketball games or cinema evenings.
Materials for easy maintenance
The photo shoot reflects the crew-centred approach of owner Gabe Newell. His large yacht was built by Oceanco in the Netherlands on the premise that the crew should spend less time on maintenance and care. "We considered where on board the most valuable experiences for the community take place," says Newell. "By increasing crew productivity, we can allow them to focus more on interacting with guests and creating a memorable experience for everyone."
Oceanco has installed a range of easy-care surfaces: The deck is covered with PU flooring from Bolidt, which is quicker to clean and requires less maintenance. The stainless steel railings are shot-peened, which makes fingerprints less visible. Handrails are made of plastic instead of wood. And the hull has a cream-coloured paint that conceals dirt. The approach is in keeping with Newell's video game company Valve, which manages without traditional hierarchies.
The fleet of the "Leviathan" owner
Newell, who is known in the gaming community by his nickname "GabeN" and is celebrated for "Half-Life", came late to yachting. The US American, who was also part of the founding team of Microsoft, was initially not interested in yachts. Until he chartered the sailing yacht "Mirabella" for his then wife's birthday. "I thought I was going to be miserable. Instead, I discovered this fantastic opportunity to spend time with friends and family," says Newell.
Today, Newell manages the so-called "Kraken Fleet", which includes "Leviathan", "Draak" (Oceanco, 78.5 m) and the supplier "Game Changer" two ships (68 m "Dagon" and 66 m "Hydra") from his research organisation Inkfish. Gabe Newell recently sold "Rocinante" (Lürssen, 72 m) and is currently building a 35 metre long Sportfisherman and the 100 metre long RV6000 as a base for a 6,000 metre deep diving robot. His passion goes so far that in 2025 Oceanco bought.
Support for research
Given the research background, it is not surprising that "Leviathan" was fitted with a fully equipped diving centre that enables expeditions and scientific dives. "Leviathan represents a new philosophy of yachting - one with a higher purpose at the centre," says Deniz de Koningh, Project Manager at Oceanco. "The owner's vision is a forward-thinking example of how yachts can be built and utilised thoughtfully. We are excited to see what impact it will have on shaping the future of the industry."
Today, the tech entrepreneur lives on board his ships all year round. The crew is always close by his side and there are flat hierarchies on board the Newell fleet. Crew, owners and friends eat and live together at all levels. "I work eight hours a day, and when I don't feel like it anymore, I jump off the bathing platform. It's the perfect life for me!" He also took over Oceanco in the firm belief that many of the tech billionaires living in Silicon Valley have not yet had any contact with yachts and the associated lifestyle.
Common rooms instead of hierarchies
The interior follows an unusual concept. Where the main saloon is normally located, there is a large dining and lounge area for up to 54 people. All areas on board are designed for communal use. These include a games lounge, a basketball court and the sun deck.
Interior designer Mark Berryman also described the project as uncharted territory due to the lack of the usual spatial separation between crew and guests. The room layout deviates completely from the standards. Traditionally, crews have their own lounge areas that are separate from the guest area. On "Leviathan", everyone uses the same rooms.
Name plaque with 3,000 participants
A glass panel in the main stairwell, which honours the collaboration during the construction phase, fits in with the all-together concept. It features the names of almost 3,000 people who were involved in the construction. The list includes employees from Oceanco, YTMC, Y.CO and Mark Berryman Design. The crew and all suppliers are also listed.
"Leviathan" drives a diesel-electric system consisting of diesel generators and electric motors. This system allows more flexible engine configurations than a shaft drive. The 111 metres run at a maximum of 17.5 knots, and the captain logs 13 knots to make efficient miles.
Technical data "Leviathan"
- Length: 111 m
- Width: 17.7 m
- Volume: 4,970 gross tonnes
- Exterior design: Oceanco
- Interior design: Mark Berryman Design
- Construction: Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architecture
- Owner representation: Y.CO and YTMC
- Shipyard: Oceanco
- Drive: diesel-electric
- Maximum speed: 17.5 knots
- Cruising speed: 13 knots
- Delivery: November 2025
About Oceanco
Oceanco is a Dutch shipyard for superyachts. The company builds ships from 80 metres in length. The shipyard is based in Alblasserdam and specialises exclusively in custom-built large yachts.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV
