The 111m Superyacht Designed Around Its Crew

The 111-metre Oceanco yacht, owned by Gabe Newell, was built for a very particular purpose. As part of the Inkfish fleet, it supports marine research and exploration, taking scientists, divers and specialist teams into remote waters. With that comes a crew whose role goes considerably beyond traditional yacht operations.

The People Behind the Mission

Crew members were involved throughout Leviathan's development, bringing their experience of life and work at sea into the design.

That input influenced the way the yacht is laid out, how people move between spaces and where crew can work, relax and spend time together. It also means that some areas feel very different from what you might expect on a yacht of this size.

The main deck has a communal dining area for up to 54 people, while the bridge deck houses a gaming lounge with 15 stations and two racing simulators. A gym, whirlpool and basketball court give the crew dedicated ways to unwind, while shared spaces throughout the yacht make socialising part of everyday life onboard.

For a team that may spend extended periods together at sea, those details can make a considerable difference.

And Then There Are the Interiors

Leviathan hasn't exactly gone without the luxury.

Mark Berryman Design has created a warm, contemporary interior using oak and wenge alongside honed stone, leather, natural wool and brushed metals. The result feels sophisticated without becoming overly formal, with clean lines and natural materials carrying through the yacht.

One of the standout details is the glass installation within the main staircase, incorporating the names of thousands of people involved in the build. Elsewhere, the gaming lounge brings an entirely different energy, with racing simulators and gaming stations turning what could have been another formal yacht saloon into somewhere people genuinely want to spend time.

Less Polishing, More Living

Even the less glamorous decisions were made with crew life in mind.

Traditional teak decking has been replaced by synthetic Bolidt decking, while synthetic handrails and bead-blasted stainless steel reduce the need for regular polishing. Honed stone and natural wool were also selected partly for their durability.

While it may sound minor at first, on a 111-metre yacht, the differences are substantial. Reducing repetitive maintenance gives the crew more time for everything else, from preparing for a dive operation to supporting the scientists onboard.

The Crew Behind the Capability

Leviathan is effectively a floating base for Inkfish's work, making the crew essential to keeping everything running smoothly, from scientific operations and dive missions to the day-to-day running of the yacht.

Its 4,970 GT accommodate a dedicated dive centre, scientific laboratory, hospital and 3D-printing workshop. The 92.8-metre Draak has also been rebuilt as a dedicated support vessel, giving the fleet the capacity to carry the equipment, people and expertise needed for work in remote waters.

The gaming lounge and basketball court may be the more unexpected details, but they reflect a wider consideration: on a yacht with such a demanding role, giving the crew the right environment is essential to fulfilling its purpose.