Leviathan: Gabe Newell’s new megayacht combining innovation and community!

Oceanco has unveiled the Leviathan, known during construction as Project Y722, a 111-meter diesel-electric megayacht that represents a new philosophy of how a yacht should be designed, operated, and experienced. Its vision is rooted in owner Gabe Newell’s belief in teamwork and community, a mindset that shaped every stage of the yacht’s creation.

The development of the Leviathan was a unique experience of collective effort. Gabe Newell worked closely with Oceanco, YTMC, Y.CO, Lateral, and Mark Berryman Design, participating actively throughout the process. As he stated, “This iconic yacht started from a simple sketch, and the journey to completion has been an extraordinary human adventure. It will remain forever etched in our memories, leaving us with a profound sense of humility and satisfaction.”

Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout described the project as entirely different from any previous experience. “From the very start, we knew nothing would be done in a traditional way. Every step was based on collaboration and participation from everyone involved in operating the yacht. The result is the most comfortable and technically advanced yacht we have ever delivered.”

A symbolic feature of the yacht is the glass panel in the main staircase, engraved with the names of nearly 3,000 people who contributed to its construction, serving as a lasting tribute to the collective effort behind the Leviathan.

The interior has been designed to foster community and shared experience. It includes spaces that bring together crew and guests, such as a large dining area for 54 people and a gaming lounge with 15 stations and two racing simulators. Interior designer Mark Berryman commented, “Leviathan challenged every established convention, offering a completely new way of thinking about how a superyacht can function as a living community.”

Materials and design choices were guided by ergonomics and durability. Synthetic decking, stainless steel handrails with special finishes, and low-maintenance color schemes all support operational efficiency and reduce the crew’s workload.

Technologically, the Leviathan features two ABB DO980P Azipods and a 5.5 MWh battery system that allows silent nighttime operation, improving energy efficiency and reducing engine hours. Sea trials confirmed extremely low noise and vibration levels and exceptional stability even in challenging conditions.

The contributions of Lateral Naval Architects and MARIN were key to optimizing hydrodynamic performance and comfort at sea. James Roy, Managing Director of Lateral, noted, “Leviathan has demonstrated exceptional levels of performance and quietness, confirming the next generation of yacht design we have developed.”

Beyond design and technology, the Leviathan serves a greater purpose. It is part of Gabe Newell’s Inkfish organization, which supports scientific research and ocean exploration. The yacht is equipped with a dive center, laboratory, medical unit, and 3D printing workshop, enabling autonomy and support for research missions. “Yachts have the potential to act as platforms for scientific research and add value to communities around them,” emphasizes Gabe Newell.

The Leviathan, formerly Project Y722, is not just a technological achievement. It is a demonstration of how collaboration, innovation, and a human-centered approach can redefine the future of yachting, combining performance, substance, and purpose.