"Leviathan": Yachting with a difference - 111 metres with a focus on crew

The Dutch shipyard Oceanco docked with "Leviathan" a 111 metre superyacht that challenges conventional design approaches. Known as Project Y722, the steel and aluminium construction follows an unusual concept: instead of being primarily geared towards luxury standards, the yacht has been consistently geared towards the needs of the crew.

Crew-centred design

A special feature is the departure from the typical separation between areas for guests and crew. There is no separate crew mess - the crew dine in the same room as the owner and guests. According to Oceanco, this unconventional approach reflects the philosophy of the experienced owner, who places great emphasis on team building and the well-being of the crew.

Crew members were actively involved in the design process as early as the planning phase in order to incorporate their practical experience. In the main stairwell, there is a glass panel with the names of over 2,000 people who were involved in the construction - a special tribute to the craftsmen and designers who realised the project.

Oceanco bundled technical innovations

"Leviathan" will be propelled by two pod units, which Oceanco now uses on all newbuilds. The rudder propellers with their integrated electric motors enable more precise manoeuvrability compared to shaft systems and reduce vibrations on board.

The choice of materials focussed on ease of maintenance. Instead of the traditional teak on deck, Esthec is used, an easy-care PU variant that requires less maintenance from the crew. Robust, easy-to-clean materials such as polished natural stone and woollen carpets were also deliberately chosen for the interior fittings.

The technical infrastructure is impressive: around 350 kilometres of cable run in 40 to 50 centimetre high suspended ceilings, which house all the technical cables. A special vacuum crane from the German manufacturer Tilse was used to install the laminated glass windows, which weigh up to two tonnes.

Low-maintenance exterior

With a length of 111 metres and a width of 17.8 metres, "Leviathan" offers a very high volume in keeping with its name. The exterior was designed by Oceanco's own creative team, while Mark Berryman Design was responsible for the interior. Oceanco developed the hull form together with Lateral Naval Architects.

The absence of traditional yacht elements such as polished handrails with wooden covers and large painted superstructures is striking. Instead, composite materials are used for the railing covers and large glass elements for the superstructure, which not only improves the aesthetics but also reduces maintenance costs.

The yacht was not only designed as a luxury vessel, but is also intended to serve as a functional platform for scientific research. This concept emphasises the owner's claim that "Leviathan" should be more than just a status symbol.

About Oceanco

Oceanco is a Dutch shipyard based in Alblasserdam that specialises in the construction of yachts over 80 metres in length. Yachts from the vicinity of Rotterdam include "Koru" for Jeff Bezos or "Seven Seas" for Steven Spielberg. The shipyard was recently US billionaire Gabe Newell purchased.

Technical data "Leviathan":

• Length: 111 metres
• Width: 17.8 metres
• Drive: diesel-electric pods
• Exterior design: Oceanco
• Interior design: Mark Berryman Design
• Owner's representative: Y.CO & YTMC
• Construction: Oceanco & Lateral Naval Architects