Gabe Newell Is Building an $800 Million Deep-Sea Research Vessel

Valve co-founder and Steam creator Gabe Newell is expanding his commitment to ocean research with the construction of one of the world's most advanced scientific vessels. Through his marine research organization Inkfish, Newell has commissioned the RV11000, a next-generation research ship with an estimated value of nearly €700 million (around $800 million).

The vessel is being built by Norwegian shipbuilder Vard and is scheduled to enter service in 2030. According to the company, the project represents the largest single-ship contract in Vard's history.

Designed to Explore the Deepest Parts of the Ocean

The RV11000 will measure 162 meters in length and accommodate up to 130 people, including researchers, engineers, and crew members.

One of its defining capabilities is support for scientific operations at depths of up to 11,000 meters, allowing expeditions to reach locations such as the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench—the deepest known point in Earth's oceans.

The ship will support a wide range of research activities, including seabed mapping, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) missions, and the deployment and maintenance of crewed deep-sea submersibles.

To support these operations, the vessel will feature dedicated hangars for underwater vehicles, advanced laboratories, workshops, offices, and onboard data-processing facilities.

Record-Breaking Battery System

Among the ship's most notable innovations is what is expected to become the largest battery system ever installed on a research vessel.

The system will allow the RV11000 to operate for up to 12 hours with minimal use of diesel generators, significantly reducing underwater noise. This quieter operation is particularly valuable for oceanographic measurements and research involving sensitive marine ecosystems.

Flagship of the Inkfish Fleet

Once completed, the RV11000 will serve as the flagship of Inkfish's growing research fleet, joining vessels such as the RV6000, RV Hydra, and RV Dagon.

The new ship is part of Newell's broader investment in marine science. He also owns the Leviathan superyacht, reportedly valued at around $400 million. While considered a luxury vessel, it has been outfitted to support scientific expeditions and already plays a role in Inkfish's ocean research initiatives.

With the RV11000, Inkfish aims to significantly expand its ability to conduct deep-sea exploration and support scientific missions in some of the least explored regions of the planet.