Korean shipbuilders Samsung Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai, and Hanwha Ocean are developing floating data centers (FDC) as AI market growth drives explosive increases in data processing demand. Samsung Heavy received design certification for a 50MW FDC in April and signed a memorandum of understanding with Greek shipowner Capital and Lloyd's Register in June. The shipbuilding industry views FDC as a next-generation growth driver due to reduced land acquisition burdens and superior cooling efficiency compared to land-based facilities.
Samsung Heavy Industries Advances 50MW FDC Development
Samsung Heavy Industries received class design certification for a 50MW floating data center in April. In June, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with Greek shipowner Capital and UK-based Lloyd's Register for related business cooperation.
Securities analysts project Samsung Heavy's planned FDC commercial operation to begin in 2028 Q2. The company signed a business agreement with US data center developer Mousterion (M3) for a large-scale project in Houston, Texas.
Han Young-soo, analyst at Samsung Securities, stated that floating data centers are currently the most popular topic in the market. He explained that FDC can be implemented through conversion of existing vessels rather than new construction, with conversion projects potentially offering faster delivery than new builds.
HD Hyundai Partners with Schneider Electric for Integrated Platform
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is expanding its FDC business through collaboration with global company Schneider Electric. The partnership focuses on jointly developing data center infrastructure technology optimized for offshore environments.
The company plans to build an integrated FDC platform combining power generation, data centers, and offshore operations beyond simply creating structures. This approach aims to enhance bidding competitiveness.
Affiliate HD Hyundai Marine Solution is expected to pursue business converting existing vessels into floating data centers. The company is anticipated to leverage fast delivery competitiveness to secure formal supply contracts.
FDC Technology Offers Land and Cooling Advantages
Floating data centers are offshore data centers built by floating barges or special structures on the sea. The technology combines shipbuilding capabilities with offshore floating structure design expertise.
FDC offers advantages in land acquisition and cooling compared to land-based facilities. Unlike onshore locations, FDC reduces burdens related to land purchase costs, permits, and noise and electromagnetic wave complaints. Large-scale site acquisition is relatively easier.
Surrounding seawater can be directly utilized as cooling water, improving cooling energy usage by over 50%.
Hanwha Ocean Holds Offshore Structure Capabilities
Hanwha Ocean has not announced specific FDC project plans. However, analysts note the company possesses competitiveness in offshore floating structures, enabling market entry at any time.
Hanwha Ocean maintains a position that while no concrete plans are finalized, the company is reviewing potential entry into the sector.
FAQ
What did Samsung Heavy Industries achieve in April regarding floating data centers?
Samsung Heavy Industries received class design certification for a 50MW floating data center in April.
Why are floating data centers considered advantageous for cooling efficiency?
Floating data centers can directly utilize surrounding seawater as cooling water, improving cooling energy usage by over 50% compared to land-based facilities.
When is Samsung Heavy Industries' FDC expected to begin commercial operation?
Securities analysts project Samsung Heavy Industries' planned floating data center commercial operation to begin in 2028 Q2.
