How Oceanco built the world's largest yacht pipeline

Oceanco has built sixteen hulls totaling 1,523 metres. The yard delivers two superyachts a year because its covered shed removes weather delays. This physical advantage explains why Jeff Bezos chose them for Koru. It also sets the stage for their next five builds.

Oceanco is a private yacht builder in Alblasserdam, Netherlands. They build large yachts over 80 metres long. The yard has completed sixteen hulls since 1987. These ships measure 1,523.4 metres in total length. That number puts them at the top of the custom yacht market.

The yard operates a unique production model. They can build five large yachts at once. They deliver about two new vessels every year. This speed relies on a specific facility choice made in 2010. A roofed dry dock allows work to continue in rain or snow. Weather no longer stops the finishing schedule.

This infrastructure supports massive projects. Jeff Bezos ordered Koru from Oceanco. The 113-metre vessel was completed in 2023. It holds the length record for the yard. Other large ships like Leviathan are still under construction. The current pipeline extends well beyond 110 metres.

What makes Oceanco’s shed different?

The yard sits on 8.2 hectares of land. This site is near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It has direct access to inland waterways. These routes lead straight to the North Sea. Ships can leave without complex port procedures.

In 2008, Oceanco bought more land. The owners then demolished old buildings. They cleared the slips to make room for something bigger. By 2010, they started building a covered dry dock. This structure changed how the yard works.

The new shed handles yachts up to 140 metres. Most of Oceanco’s fleet sits between 80 and 110 metres. The roof protects sensitive interior work. Painters and technicians do not wait for clear skies. This reliability helps the yard meet tight deadlines.

The location also aids heavy lifting. The yard uses the river for transport. Large components arrive by barge. This reduces road traffic in the town. It keeps the process efficient and quiet. The design fits the local environment.

Who owns Oceanco today?

Oceanco has had several owners over time. South African investors founded the company in 1987. Richard Hein led that initial group. They built hulls in Durban, South Africa. The ships then moved to Dutch facilities for finishing.

Theodore Angelopoulos took control in 2002. He focused the yard on the 80-metre niche. He launched the Y Generation series. Amevi and Alfa Nero were early examples. This strategy defined the brand for years.

Mohammed Al Barwani bought Oceanco in March 2010. He is a private investor from Oman. Marcel Onkenhout served as CEO for many years. Under this ownership, the yard expanded its capabilities significantly.

Gabe Newell acquired the yard in August 2025. He is an American video game developer. His purchase marks a new chapter for the shipyard. The transition brings fresh capital and attention to the business.

The corporate structure remains private. Details of the sale price are not public. However, the move signals strong confidence in the yard. Newell’s background in technology may influence future operations. The focus stays on high-end custom builds.

How did Oceanco handle the bridge issue?

Oceanco faced a public dispute in 2022. They were building a schooner for Jeff Bezos. The vessel measures 127 metres long. It needed to sail out to sea from Alblasserdam. The route passes through Rotterdam.

A historic bridge called De Hef blocks the way. The bridge is movable but narrow. Oceanco asked to remove the middle span temporarily. This would allow the yacht to pass underneath. The request caused immediate controversy.

Local citizens opposed the plan strongly. People threatened to throw eggs and tomatoes. They worried about damage to the historic structure. The outcry was intense and widespread. Oceanco withdrew the request in June 2022.

The incident highlighted the scale of modern yachts. A 127-metre ship is huge for inland waters. It requires careful planning and local support. Oceanco had to find another way out. The delay showed the limits of river navigation.

What is in the current build list?

Oceanco currently has five large yachts in progress. They range from 105 to 110 metres. Kaos, Bravo Eugenia, Seven Seas, and Dreamboat are all active. Leviathan is also scheduled for delivery soon. This workload tests the yard’s capacity.

Dreamboat is expected in 2025. It will be 110.9 metres long. This extends the pipeline past 110 metres. Leviathan follows closely behind. Both ships will join the growing fleet. The yard maintains a steady output rate.

The existing register shows sixteen finished hulls. Their lengths vary from 60 to 113 metres. Most fall in the 80-to-90-metre band. Draak marked the first entry over 90 metres. Nirvana and Amore Vero followed that trend.

Man of Steel and Sunrays came next. They set the standard for comfort and volume. Vibrant Curiosity introduced new interior layouts. Alfa G remains the smallest registered hull. The progression shows a clear growth path.

Why does vertical integration matter?

Oceanco controls more of its supply chain. In August 2025, they bought Alewijnse. This company integrates maritime systems. It provides engines, electronics, and automation. Owning this step speeds up testing. It reduces coordination errors with outside vendors.

The yard also expanded its real estate. In September 2025, they bought a complex in Zwijndrecht. This adds 13,400 square metres of space. The new area complements the main Alblasserdam site. It offers room for larger projects.

These moves strengthen the yard’s position. They reduce dependency on external partners. Critical systems are now in-house. This control improves quality assurance. It also protects against market shortages.

Oceanco keeps an office in Monaco. This helps with sales and design. Clients visit regularly to discuss plans. The team coordinates between the yard and the buyer. Communication remains close throughout the build.