Valve Founder Gabe Newell Commissions $815 Million Deep-Sea Research Vessel
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Valve founder Gabe Newell is channelling approximately US$815 million, or around Rp 14.6 trillion, into building one of the most ambitious ocean exploration projects ever created. The research vessel is designed to explore the deepest and most mysterious parts of Earth’s oceans.
In May 2026, the Norwegian shipbuilder VARD announced it had secured a contract from Gabe Newell’s marine research organisation, Inkfish, to build a research vessel named RV11000.
The giant vessel will be used for various scientific expeditions to the deepest and least explored marine regions. It is hoped the ship will help scientists uncover new findings about deep-sea ecosystems.
According to VARD’s official statement, the RV11000 measures 162 metres in length and 28 metres in width. It is considerably larger than Newell’s first research vessel, the RV6000, which cost around US$300 million and is scheduled to launch in 2028.
The RV11000 will support a wide range of research activities, from seabed mapping and sampling to the operation of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), as well as crewed submarine missions reaching depths of up to 11,000 metres. These capabilities will enable researchers to reach the deepest points of the ocean.
To support these missions, the vessel will be equipped with a submarine launch system, a dedicated hangar for two crewed submarines, a 40-metre seabed sampling system, and specialised lifting equipment capable of operating at depths of up to 15,000 metres.
One of the RV11000’s most striking features is the largest battery ever installed on a ship. According to VARD, the system allows the vessel to operate silently for up to 12 hours, reducing noise that could disturb scientific observation or marine life.
In addition, the ship is fitted with four active stabilisers to improve performance in high waves. Inside, there are laboratories, workshops, offices, and accommodation for up to 130 scientists and crew members, most of whom will have private cabins.
“This next-generation vessel builds on previous designs to deliver far greater capability, flexibility and range in support of scientific research,” said Stu Buckle, head of shipbuilding and special projects at Inkfish, quoted by Dexerto on Friday (10 July 2026).
“The RV11000 will be a purpose-built platform to push beyond the limits of marine research capability, strengthening our ability to support scientists and open up new understanding of the ocean,” he continued.
Delivery of the RV11000 is currently scheduled for Q1 2030, meaning Gabe Newell will still have to wait several years before beginning his deep-sea exploration era with the new vessel.
While awaiting completion of the ship, the Valve boss is known to live in a luxury home worth around US$71 million in Florida, United States. The property even features a private tunnel providing direct access to the beach.
Valve is the company renowned for developing the games Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and Half-Life, as well as the Steam Deck and Steam Machine gaming devices.