Floating data centre partnership unveiled

Announced at Posidonia 2026, the joint development project will explore the use of established shipbuilding techniques to create scalable offshore data centres.

The concept combines marine engineering with advanced data centre technology, offering an alternative to land-based facilities that are increasingly constrained by space, power and cooling requirements.

“This agreement highlights how owners and yards are rethinking asset strategy as digital infrastructure demand accelerates,” said Nick Brown, chief executive of Lloyd’s Register.

“Early-stage assurance will be important as projects scale, helping developers de-risk complex designs, secure investment and bring new offshore assets to market with confidence in their safety, performance and long-term efficiency.”

The proposed design incorporates onboard power generation and seawater cooling, while standardised shipbuilding processes are expected to reduce construction and delivery times. LR has already completed an initial technical assessment of the concept, confirming the feasibility of SHI’s design from a structural, safety and systems integration perspective.

“This FDC concept represents a natural extension of our shipbuilding capabilities into the digital infrastructure sector,” said Young-kyu Ahn, chief technology officer at Samsung Heavy Industries.

“Combined with sustainable energy solutions, it will set new standards in the global data market and serve as a key driver of future growth.”

Jerry Kalogiratos, chief executive of Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp, added: “As AI continues to drive rapid growth in demand for computing power, floating data centres offer a scalable and flexible solution, with the unique advantage of mobility, enabling capacity to be deployed where energy, connectivity and demand are greatest.”

Separately, Lloyd’s Register Advisory has signed an MOU with SHI to support the development and commercialisation of the floating data centre concept through feasibility studies and techno-economic analysis.