Following the triumphant joint debut of the 111m flagship Leviathan and its 93m companion vessel Draak at the Monaco Yacht Show, Oceanco is preparing to send Draak across the Atlantic for its highly anticipated American premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2026.
There is a distinct shift happening at the pinnacle of custom yachting, and it is being driven by owners who view these massive vessels not just as symbols of luxury, but as highly sophisticated tools for global impact. At this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, this philosophy takes center stage. Oceanco is set to make history by showcasing two monumental projects simultaneously: the newly built 111-meter (364ft) Leviathan and the completely reborn 93-meter (305ft) support vessel Draak.
Owned by tech visionary Gabe Newell—who officially joined the Oceanco team in July 2025—this dual attendance marks the very first time the Dutch shipyard showcases both a brand-new build and a complex rebuild together at the show. Positioned at the cruise terminal, this duo represents a masterclass in modern fleet synergy.
The Power of Two: The Inkfish Fleet’s Collaborative Blueprint
Developed to operate in perfect harmony, Leviathan and Draak are companion vessels within Newell’s Inkfish fleet. Instead of following traditional, rigid superyacht layouts, both projects were engineered around a radical, crew-centric design philosophy where teamwork and community take precedence.
The ultimate goal of the Inkfish fleet is to act as a catalyst for ocean preservation and marine exploration. As Gabe Newell explains, the core mission is to be of direct service to the scientific community: “We work with scientists to understand what’s helpful, then look at how our technology, tools and resources can best support their mission, whether that’s getting them to places they couldn’t otherwise reach, developing new technology or providing funding to remove barriers to their research.”
Leviathan: A 111m Masterpiece in Crew-Centric Innovation
Delivered in November 2025, the flagship Leviathan completely rethinks onboard dynamics. The yacht’s architecture consciously breaks down standard social barriers, introducing innovative communal spaces that encourage fluid interaction between guests and crew. Every detail has been optimized for efficiency; the integration of low-maintenance materials ensures the crew can focus on operations rather than constant cosmetic upkeep.
Far from a standard pleasure craft, Leviathan is equipped with heavy-duty operational facilities designed to anchor major scientific expeditions, featuring:
- A state-of-the-art scientific laboratory for real-time research.
- A fully certified onboard hospital for long-range safety.
- A specialized dive center built for extreme underwater exploration.
Draak: The Ultimate 93m Life Cycle Support Transformation
Complementing the flagship is Draak, delivered in June 2026 following an extensive and complex rebuild by Oceanco’s Life Cycle Support division. Originally built in 2014, the yacht was completely reimagined around the exact same operational and human-centric principles debuted on Leviathan.
Today, Draak acts as the ultimate support vessel, shadowing the flagship and expanding the fleet’s physical capabilities. The vessel has been re-engineered to carry the heavy workload of the expeditions, packing:
- A massive, heavy-duty lifting and crane system for rapid deployment.
- An expanded tender fleet optimized for rugged fieldwork.
- Advanced, specialist diving facilities that operate in tandem with the main yacht.
Scaling the Tech Ecosystem: Oceanco’s Future Horizon
The Monaco Yacht Show also serves as a celebration of Newell’s first year working alongside the Dutch shipbuilder. His tenure has already accelerated Oceanco’s collaborative ecosystem. Over the past twelve months, industry specialists Alewijnse and Winel have joined the shipyard’s elite network of partners, alongside Aluship, Lateral, and Mercury.
By blending superyacht craftsmanship with a broader technological ecosystem, the Oceanco Group is actively finding new ways to prototype, build, and operate future vessels. “Just about everything I’ve been involved in over the years has moved some aspect of technology forward in a way that benefits customers,”notes Newell. “Our aim is to identify interesting technologies, prototype them and move them into production.”
For the global yachting industry gathered in Monaco, the presence of Leviathan and Draak is a definitive look at the future of custom yachting—where ambitious owner visions, disruptive tech, and scientific purpose meet.
Photos © Oceanco
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The Human-Centric Avant-Garde Inside Oceanco’s 111m Leviathan
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