Tech Billionaire Gabe Newell Buys Oceanco, Plans AI Yacht Revolution
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, a grand gathering of superyachts, saw a significant acquisition and innovative plans from tech billionaire Gabe Newell. Newell, co-founder of Valve Corporation, bought Dutch shipyard Oceanco, aiming to revolutionise yacht design with machine learning.
The show displayed 120 superyachts worth €4.3bn, including 50 world premieres. Among them was the 364-ft Leviathan, designed and built by Oceanco, now under Newell's ownership. Newell, who lives full-time aboard his yachts, plans to use them for exploration, science, privacy, and family.
Newell's recent purchase, the 76m yacht ONE, was the venue for a cocktail party hosted by Elite Traveler and Spear's during the show. Meanwhile, Laurens Last, owner of Heesen Yachts, chose to exhibit at Cap-d'Ail instead, successfully selling the yacht Agnetha.
Damen Yachting introduced a mandatory dual charter package for the first Xplorer 60 After You and its support vessel Emotional. Some wealthy clients, however, found the €700 visitor day pass for the Monaco Yacht Show expensive.
Newell's plans for Oceanco include applying machine learning to improve shipbuilding design and validate predictions. Laurens Last also plans to introduce AI and robotics to yacht production at Heesen Yachts.
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show concluded with Newell's ambitious plans for Oceanco, marking a significant tech influence in the yachting industry. The show's success, despite some clients finding the entry fee high, reflects the enduring appeal of superyachts and their related innovations.
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