Oceanco has unveiled its largest yacht project yet, a 130-meter superyacht, following a signing ceremony at the Monaco Yacht Show in Port Hercule, attended by representatives from the Yacht Club de Monaco and certified by Lloyd’s Register. Details of the yacht’s specifications are yet to be fully disclosed, but Oceanco has confirmed that its 130-meter project will be a game-changer for the company. The new vessel is anticipated to showcase advanced technology, increased operational range, and exceptional sustainability credentials, cementing its position as a flagship in the fleet.
“This vessel represents not only a leap in scale but also in ambition,” said Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco CEO. “Oceanco has embarked on an ambitious next chapter, pushing further on design, innovation and sustainability. Collaborating with Lloyd’s Register ensures that our boldest visions are realized with uncompromising safety and quality.”
“Our partnership with Oceanco is built on a deep understanding and a shared commitment to excellence,” noted Engel-Jan de Boer, Yacht Segment Director at Lloyd’s Register. “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the exceptional results that can be achieved when innovation and integrity come together.”
Steering the Ship: Gabe Newell’s Vision for Oceanco
Why does Gabe Newell remain one of the tech world’s most revered figures — and what’s driving him to shift his focus from screens to the ocean? With an estimated personal fortune of $4 billion, Valve founder Gabe Newell has been a cult hero in gaming — celebrated not only for creating Steam but for rejecting conventional corporate norms. Now 62, he’s bringing that same rebellious, people-first approach to the world of superyachts. In August, he took over Oceanco, a leading custom yacht builder. But don’t call him the “owner” — the company says Newell isn’t interested in titles or boardroom politics. Rather than a typical executive, he’s a “hands-on visionary” who loves working on boats and artisanal projects as much as designing games and writing code.
At the recent Monaco Yacht Show, Newell publicly discussed his involvement with Oceanco, outlining a vision centered on collaboration, quality, and long-term value, rather than seeking immediate changes.
Reflecting on his journey, Newell noted that he initially engaged with Oceanco as a client during the development of the 111-meter yacht Leviathan, not as an investor. “When you’re building a yacht with Oceanco, it’s a very collaborative and enjoyable process – they make you feel like you are part of the team,” Gabe explained. “I started to have conversations with Marcel and his team, and with Dr. Barwani, about whether I could help move the organization forward if I took a more direct role in ownership.”
From Client to Visionary: A Hands-On Approach
Speaking from the rare position of being both a shareholder and a client, Gabe Newell shared his perspective on Oceanco’s direction: “We are a customer-focused yacht builder,” he said, emphasizing a commitment to long-term value for owners and their teams. Inspired by the progress made with Leviathan, his ambition is to drive future projects that go even further in prioritizing crew-centric design — a reflection of his belief that great yachts serve not just those who own them, but those who operate them.
Images Courtesy of Oceanco
