Gabe Newell Buys Dutch Superyacht Builder Oceanco for Unknown Price

Billionaire Gabe Newell, cofounder of Valve Corporation, has purchased Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco, known for its fully customized, nine-figure yachts. Oceanco has built superyachts for Jeff Bezos and Jerry Jones. Newell owns at least one Oceanco superyacht, Draak, and is rumored to be the future owner of Oceanco Y722. The amount paid for Oceanco has not been disclosed.

Billionaire Gabe Newell, cofounder of Valve Corporation, has purchased Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco, known for its fully customized, nine-figure yachts. The acquisition comes as Newell expands his portfolio beyond video games, entering the high-end luxury yacht market. Oceanco has built superyachts for notable figures such as Jeff Bezos and Jerry Jones. Newell owns at least one Oceanco superyacht, Draak, and is rumored to be the future owner of Oceanco Y722 [1].

Oceanco, under the stewardship of the Barwani family for the past 15 years, has delivered some of history's most iconic yachts, including Kaos, Bravo Eugenia, and H3. The yard is also responsible for the world's largest and second-largest sailing yachts, Koru and Black Pearl [1]. The family will remain active in the yachting world through their continued ownership of Turquoise Yachts.

Gabe Newell's acquisition of Oceanco is notable for his hands-on approach, respecting the craft and the people who make it possible. Newell's tech background is expected to influence production, potentially leading to innovative designs and advancements in the industry [2]. Oceanco's current order book is full, with deliveries now possible only by 2030, indicating a strong demand for its high-end products [3].

Oceanco's finest luxury vessels include Jeff Bezos's $500 million Koru, Nancy Walton Laurie’s $300 million Kaos, and Jerry Jones's $225 million Bravo Eugenia. Newell's own superyacht, Project Y722, is estimated to cost $330 million and is designed to advance scientific research and exploration [3].

The amount paid for Oceanco has not been disclosed, but Newell's net worth is reported to be $9.5 billion [2]. Newell's acquisition of Oceanco marks the start of a new chapter for the shipyard, bringing a unique blend of business and technology to the yachting world.

References:
[1] https://www.boatinternational.com/boat-pro/news/oceanco-yacht-builder-sold-to-gabe-newell
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/gaming-ceo-gabe-nwell-buys-yacht-company-oceanco-jeff-bezos-2025-8
[3] https://luxurylaunches.com/transport/gabe-newell-buys-oceanco-08022025.php