Superyacht DRAAK Reborn: Inside Oceanco’s Major Rebuild of a Former Charter Icon

Originally delivered in 2014, superyacht DRAAK has undergone a comprehensive transformation to serve as a highly specialised companion yacht, operating alongside the expedition-focused 364ft (111m) superyacht LEVIATHAN.

Once a prominent name within the yacht rental sector, DRAAK is now privately owned and no longer available for charter, having been adapted for a new operational role centered on exploration, technical support, and dive operations.

The extensive rebuild was led by Oceanco in close collaboration with Co-makers, the owner’s representative YTMC, and both yachts’ crews, ensuring seamless integration between the two luxury yachts for complex global operations.

The rebuild of the former Oceanco charter yacht reflects the long-term maritime ambitions of Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve Corporation and one of the most influential figures in the global technology sector.

Newell is the owner of both DRAAK and LEVIATHAN, as well as the majority shareholder of Oceanco, placing him in a uniquely influential position across design, engineering, and operational execution.

This vertical integration, spanning ownership, construction, and lifecycle support, has enabled an exceptionally cohesive approach to the refit, allowing DRAAK to be purpose-built as a high-performance operational platform rather than a conventional luxury yacht.

For the wider superyacht industry, the transformative project highlights a growing trend among ultra-high-net-worth individuals: commissioning multi-yacht fleets designed for long-range exploration, scientific operations, and complex logistical missions, supported by bespoke engineering solutions.

On a refit of this scale, everything is interconnected and every decision had to be carefully evaluated for knock-on effects. With the extent of the changes, we effectively had to open up the entire yacht.

Edwin Schneider, Project Manager, Life Cycle Support

The scale of the rebuild represents a fundamental shift in the DNA of the former motor yacht charter, transforming her from an ultra-luxury charter platform into a highly capable expedition support vessel.

Significant exterior modifications were required to create space for large-scale equipment and tender operations. Key upgrades include:

• Removal of the upper deck aft helideck to allow for a large main deck tender zone
• Installation of heavy-duty C-davits to accommodate a dedicated dive tender
• Integration of a 12.6-tonne jib crane for advanced lifting operations
• Extension of the boarding platform for enhanced safety, adding over 1 metre to her overall length

These structural changes equip DRAAK for demanding offshore missions, enabling seamless deployment and recovery of specialised craft and technical equipment.

Internally, superyacht DRAAK has been entirely reconfigured to support her new operational role.

The former beach club and spa enjoyed by Mediterranean yacht charter guests over the years have been converted into a fully equipped dive centre, complete with a decompression chamber, positioning the yacht as a world-class platform for underwater exploration.

The main deck saloon now serves as a large crew mess, supporting extended voyages with a significantly increased onboard workforce.

A dedicated chef’s laboratory has also been installed, facilitating high-level culinary operations and bespoke dining experiences for crew and guests, while newly created adaptable cabins provide additional premium accommodation capacity when required.

Although motor yacht DRAAK is no longer available for charter, her transformation highlights the growing importance of support vessels within both the private and charter superyacht sectors.

Support yachts extend cruising autonomy, expand toy and equipment capacity, and significantly enhance onboard lifestyle experiences.

Within the luxury yacht charter market, one of the most compelling examples is the high-profile pairing of 197.2ft (60.1m) charter yacht AFTER YOU and her purpose-built support vessel, 173.11ft (53m) yacht rental EMOTIONAL, both delivered by Damen Yachting.

Under her former identity as TRANQUILITY, DRAAK stood among the most recognised names in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean yacht charter fleets, delivering one of the most expansive and indulgent guest experiences available worldwide.

While she has now transitioned into private ownership, her rebuild reflects broader market momentum: the convergence of luxury yachting and expedition capability.

With her relaunch complete and sea trials scheduled ahead of delivery later this year, superyacht DRAAK now stands as a benchmark example of how engineering innovation, visionary ownership, and shipyard expertise can combine to redefine what a modern superyacht is capable of.

If you're interested in following the growing trend of exploring far-reaching destinations in 2026, reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker for further information on availability and details about yacht charter costs. 

Or, for more inspiration, search all luxury yacht charters on YachtCharterFleet, the largest curated collection of superyacht rentals worldwide.