Samsung Floats AI Data Centers on Ships

Samsung is developing innovative floating AI data centers, planning to deploy them on ships to meet the surging demand for artificial intelligence capabilities. This initiative involves a collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries, Capital Clean Energy Carriers, and Lloyd's Register, with Samsung Heavy Industries responsible for technology and construction. These offshore facilities are designed to utilize seawater for efficient cooling and are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel cells, providing a significant 50-megawatt capacity. This capacity is substantial enough to support tens of thousands of AI servers. The project aims to alleviate the strain on land-based data centers, offering a mobile and flexible solution.

Beyond initial deployment, Samsung is also actively assessing the North American market and conducting studies with Lloyd's Register Advisory. Alongside this, Samsung Heavy Industries is partnering with Supermicro to rigorously test the long-term reliability of AI servers at sea, investigating the impact of oceanic conditions like vibration and saltwater. Other global entities are also exploring similar ventures, with Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines planning a 73-megawatt facility and China operating an underwater data center. These projects collectively highlight a growing trend towards innovative data center solutions beyond traditional land-based constructions.