Industry sources suggest the owner is rumoured to be Gabe Newell, co-founder of video game developer Valve and reportedly the new owner of Oceanco.
The yacht’s name, Leviathan, originates from ancient mythology and biblical texts where it represented an immense and formidable sea creature, fitting for a vessel of her size and capability.
Newell is already known for his interest in advanced marine research, owning another large research vessel used for oceanographic and environmental projects. This focus on exploration and science is understood to have influenced Leviathan’s design, which is believed to include facilities supporting research operations alongside luxury guest amenities.
She is not just a high-performance vessel. 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 center.
CEO and Co-Founder
Y.CO
At an estimated 5,000 GT, she is the largest yacht ever built by Oceanco. Leviathan is projected to enter the YachtBuyer YB100 ranking of the World’s Biggest Yachts within the top 50 by gross tonnage. Measuring 111 metres, she will also rank in the top half of the Top 100 by length, with her exact debut positions depending on the delivery dates of other major projects, including Lürssen’s Deep Blue (134 m) and Project Cosmos (114 m), both scheduled for 2025.
Human-Centric Design with a Focus on Functionality
Naval architecture was developed by Lateral Naval Architects and Oceanco, with interiors by Mark Berryman Design, who also worked on Oceanco's rebuild of the superyacht H3. From the outset, the crew were involved in the design process, providing operational input that shaped key decisions. Low-maintenance, durable materials such as honed stone and natural wool carpets were chosen to reduce routine upkeep, allowing crew to focus on guest services, research missions, and complex operations. Traditional elements such as teak decks and polished wooden handrails have been replaced with composite alternatives and full-height glass superstructure bulkheads, balancing aesthetics with practicality.
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
Project Director
Oceanco
Collaboration at the Core
A glass panel engraved with the names of more than 2,000 people involved in the build is installed in the main staircase, serving as a permanent tribute to the project’s collaborative spirit.
Project Director Deniz de Koningh of Oceanco described Leviathan as “a new philosophy of yachting, one that places greater purpose at the heart of design, ownership, and operations.” YTMC Managing Director Dan Morgan called her “a sanctuary of comfort where silence meets strength,” while Y.CO CEO Charlie Birkett referred to her as “a working ecosystem, designed to support everything from world-class hospitality to scientific research.”
Sea trials for Leviathan are due to begin in the coming weeks, with further details of her research capabilities and operational profile expected to be released later this year.
Guests
22
Cabins
11
Crew
33
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