Valve founder Newell's firm builds $816M deep-sea research vessel

Inkfish, an ocean research and technology company supported by Valve founder Gabe Newell, has completed construction of a state-of-the-art deep-sea research vessel representing an investment of approximately $816 million. The vessel is engineered to conduct scientific operations at depths reaching 162 metres, enabling researchers to access and study previously hard-to-reach marine environments.

The specialized ship marks a substantial commitment to advancing ocean exploration capabilities and marine scientific research. Deep-sea research vessels of this calibre are essential for studying marine ecosystems, geological formations, and conducting environmental assessments in challenging underwater environments.

The construction of such advanced research infrastructure underscores growing interest from technology sector leaders in supporting scientific endeavours. Ocean exploration remains critical for understanding marine biodiversity, climate patterns, and resource management in Asia-Pacific and global waters.

Inkfish's investment in this vessel technology positions it as a significant player in marine research infrastructure, potentially enabling groundbreaking studies across oceanography, marine biology, and environmental science throughout the region and beyond.