Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia \u2013 Valve founder Gabe Newell is channelling\napproximately US$815 million, or around Rp 14.6 trillion, into building\none of the most ambitious ocean exploration projects ever created. The\nresearch vessel is designed to explore the deepest and most mysterious\nparts of Earth\u2019s oceans.<\/p>\n
In May 2026, the Norwegian shipbuilder VARD announced it had secured\na contract from Gabe Newell\u2019s marine research organisation, Inkfish, to\nbuild a research vessel named RV11000.<\/p>\n
The giant vessel will be used for various scientific expeditions to\nthe deepest and least explored marine regions. It is hoped the ship will\nhelp scientists uncover new findings about deep-sea ecosystems.<\/p>\n
According to VARD\u2019s official statement, the RV11000 measures 162\nmetres in length and 28 metres in width. It is considerably larger than\nNewell\u2019s first research vessel, the RV6000, which cost around US$300\nmillion and is scheduled to launch in 2028.<\/p>\n
The RV11000 will support a wide range of research activities, from\nseabed mapping and sampling to the operation of remotely operated\nunderwater vehicles (ROVs), as well as crewed submarine missions\nreaching depths of up to 11,000 metres. These capabilities will enable\nresearchers to reach the deepest points of the ocean.<\/p>\n
To support these missions, the vessel will be equipped with a\nsubmarine launch system, a dedicated hangar for two crewed submarines, a\n40-metre seabed sampling system, and specialised lifting equipment\ncapable of operating at depths of up to 15,000 metres.<\/p>\n
One of the RV11000\u2019s most striking features is the largest battery\never installed on a ship. According to VARD, the system allows the\nvessel to operate silently for up to 12 hours, reducing noise that could\ndisturb scientific observation or marine life.<\/p>\n
In addition, the ship is fitted with four active stabilisers to\nimprove performance in high waves. Inside, there are laboratories,\nworkshops, offices, and accommodation for up to 130 scientists and crew\nmembers, most of whom will have private cabins.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis next-generation vessel builds on previous designs to deliver\nfar greater capability, flexibility and range in support of scientific\nresearch,\u201d said Stu Buckle, head of shipbuilding and special projects at\nInkfish, quoted by Dexerto on Friday (10 July 2026).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RV11000 will be a purpose-built platform to push beyond the\nlimits of marine research capability, strengthening our ability to\nsupport scientists and open up new understanding of the ocean,\u201d he\ncontinued.<\/p>\n
Delivery of the RV11000 is currently scheduled for Q1 2030, meaning\nGabe Newell will still have to wait several years before beginning his\ndeep-sea exploration era with the new vessel.<\/p>\n
While awaiting completion of the ship, the Valve boss is known to\nlive in a luxury home worth around US$71 million in Florida, United\nStates. The property even features a private tunnel providing direct\naccess to the beach.<\/p>\n
Valve is the company renowned for developing the games\nCounter-Strike, Dota 2 and Half-Life, as well as the Steam Deck and\nSteam Machine gaming devices.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/valve-founder-gabe-newell-commissions-815-million-deep-sea-research-vessel-1783691496", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }