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Connection Over Convention

With his 111m Oceanco yacht Leviathan, Gabe Newell challenges long-standing superyacht conventions and reimagines life on board through a philosophy that places people at the centre

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When tech entrepreneur Gabe Newell approached Oceanco about building the 111m Leviathan, it was clear from the outset that this would not be a conventional yacht project.

“What makes Leviathan so unique is the way she came to life,” says Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout. “We were welcomed into the team alongside Gabe and everyone who would ultimately be involved in operating her. It is this level of collaboration that sets Leviathan apart from anything we’ve built before.”

Already the owner of a fleet of vessels, Gabe is known for championing one of the most progressive people-first philosophies in yachting. At his company, Valve, employees operate within a famously flat organisational structure that empowers individuals to self-organise and pursue the projects they are most passionate about. For Gabe, yacht ownership – and the responsibility of employing large crews – is no different from running a company. His ambition was to embed that same ethos of collaboration and community into the very fabric of Leviathan.

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“Working with the team at Oceanco is incredibly enjoyable and a lot of fun; everybody is professional, creative and dynamic,” Gabe reflects. “We knew we were asking for unusual things, and Oceanco embraced it with open arms. Not only have we designed a very unusual yacht that leans into Oceanco’s strengths of innovation and design, but the team has been willing to collaborate with us on evolving the process.”

Beyond shaping the build process, Gabe’s philosophy influenced key design decisions. “We adopted a crew-centric approach that really digs into how Leviathan is operated and maintained,” Gabe adds. “The goal was to consider where the most valuable experiences occur for the community of people on board. By increasing crew productivity, we enable them to focus more on engaging with guests and creating meaningful experiences for everyone.”

This approach saw the integration of low-maintenance materials such as synthetic Bolidt decking and bead-blasted stainless steel railings. The interior layout was also reimagined to dissolve traditional hierarchies between guest and crew spaces; prime locations typically reserved for guests have been transformed into shared areas that encourage interaction. What would traditionally be the main saloon, for instance, functions as a communal dining space capable of seating up to 54 people. All recreational areas, including a gaming lounge, basketball court and sun deck with whirlpool, are accessible to everyone on board.

Delivered by Oceanco in 2025, Leviathan now forms part of Inkfish, an organisation operating across Gabe’s fleet in support of scientific research and marine exploration. With facilities including a fully equipped dive centre, laboratory and hospital – alongside her community-oriented design – Leviathan is intended for meaningful contribution.

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