The project was commissioned by Valve co-founder and Oceanco shareholder Gabe Newell, whose emphasis on community and collaboration shaped the yacht’s design, construction, and purpose. Naval architecture was completed by Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects, with exterior styling also by Oceanco and interiors by Mark Berryman Design.
She has since departed the Netherlands and is en route to Poole, Dorset, where she will complete export formalities before leaving the European Union.
Collaboration at Every Stage
From the project’s earliest sketches, Leviathan was designed as a shared effort between owner, yard, and crew. Working alongside representatives from Y.CO and YTMC, Newell encouraged open communication across all design and engineering teams. Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout described the process as transformative for the yard.
This iconic yacht started from a simple sketch, and the journey throughout has been extraordinary."
Oceanco Design Team
Oceanco
“From the very start, we knew nothing about her would be done in a traditional way,” said Onkenhout. “We were welcomed into the team alongside Gabe and everyone who would ultimately be involved in operating her. Following her successful sea trials, we can now say she’s the most comfortable yacht ever designed, built, and delivered by Oceanco.”
To commemorate the spirit of cooperation behind Leviathan, a glass panel etched with the names of nearly 3,000 contributors now stands within the main staircase - a lasting acknowledgment of the project’s collective effort.
Onboard Leviathan: A Human-Centered Layout
Inside, Leviathan really does redefine how space is used on a superyacht of her size. Accommodating up to 26 guests and 37 crew, her interior layout merges traditional guest and crew zones to create a sense of community onboard. Areas that would typically be restricted to guests have been redesigned as shared spaces to encourage interaction and wellbeing across all members of the yacht’s complement.
On the bridge deck, a dedicated gaming lounge replaces the usual aft saloon, complete with 15 gaming stations, two racing simulators, and relaxed seating. The main deck features a vast communal dining area capable of seating 54 people together. Crew facilities are equally considered, with warm oak and wenge finishes, and leisure spaces that include a basketball court, whirlpool, and gym.
Interior designer Mark Berryman described the project as a refreshing challenge. ““Leviathan challenged convention in a completely new and exciting way from an operational standpoint.”
Designed for Efficiency and Ease
Operational efficiency was another cornerstone of the design. Materials were chosen for durability, low maintenance, and functionality, reducing repetitive upkeep so crew can focus on guest service and wellbeing. The synthetic Bolidt decking, developed specifically for Leviathan, incorporates a custom pattern inspired by the exterior design and enhanced heat dissipation. Bead-blasted stainless steel railings, synthetic handrails, and a soft off-white exterior finish further reduce cleaning demands.
Inside the motor yacht, honed stone surfaces, leathered finishes, and natural wool carpets were selected for resilience and comfort. “The goal was to consider where the most valuable experiences occur for the community of people onboard,” said Newell. “By increasing crew productivity, we enable them to focus on creating meaningful experiences for everyone.”
Engineering a New Standard of Comfort
Built on Lateral’s DE-Series platform, Leviathan features a refined hull form developed through extensive MARIN testing to deliver exceptional stability and quiet performance. A seawater ballast system optimizes balance, while Quantum MagLift and XT fins ensure smooth motion both underway and at anchor. Captain Alan Pike described her as remarkably quiet and steady, even at full speed.
Powered by twin ABB DO980P Azipods and a 5.5-megawatt-hour battery system, Leviathan can operate silently at night and achieve greater fuel efficiency through peak shaving. Her forward engine-room placement opens valuable aft space for guest cabins, while meticulous acoustic testing of ventilation and window systems helps create an environment defined by calm and comfort.
What stands out most is just how remarkably quiet she is, the low noise and vibration levels are extraordinary, even at full speed."
Leviathan Captain
Beyond luxury, Leviathan is designed to serve a broader mission. She joins the Inkfish fleet, Newell’s privately funded platform supporting scientific research and marine exploration. Onboard facilities include a dive center, laboratory, hospital, and 3D printing workshop, all situated where a beach club might typically be located. These enable Leviathan to operate independently on extended or remote expeditions while contributing to ongoing ocean research.
As she departs the Netherlands for her maiden voyage to the United Kingdom, Leviathan stands as both a flagship of engineering achievement and a blueprint for how the next generation of yachts might operate: quieter, smarter, and built around the people who live and work aboard.
Looking Ahead: Oceanco’s Next Chapter
According to YachtBuyer Market Watch, the largest yacht database, Oceanco currently has three superyachts in its order book. Due for delivery in 2030, the 129.6m Oceanco Y727 will be the shipyard’s largest yacht to date. With an immense 11,061GT of internal volume, she ranks near 12th globally by tonnage in YachtBuyer’s YB100 list, highlighting how scale is best measured by interior space rather than length alone.
Built to Lloyd’s Register standards, her bold sculptural bow, deep strakes, and sweeping glass bands mark a striking new design direction for Oceanco.
Leviathan’s delivery signals a new era for Oceanco, where advanced engineering meets a distinctly human-centered philosophy. As she joins the Inkfish fleet, her purpose-driven design stands as a model for how large yachts can serve people, science, and the sea.
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