Pranav Hotkar
Seoul, South Korea - July 7, 2026 - Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is aiming to commercialize its first floating AI data center by the second quarter of 2028, marking a significant step toward bringing offshore digital infrastructure into the mainstream as developers seek alternatives to land-constrained and power-limited data center markets.
The shipbuilder said it is pursuing multiple commercial opportunities and expects to secure customer orders ahead of the planned launch. Rather than converting existing vessels, Samsung is developing a purpose-built floating platform designed specifically for high-density AI computing, positioning the project as a new class of infrastructure capable of addressing growing constraints around land availability, grid access, and cooling for hyperscale facilities.
The proposed floating data center will initially offer approximately 50 MW of IT capacity and follow a nearshore deployment model, allowing the platform to be moored close to the coast and connected to onshore electricity through subsea cables. The design also includes the option for onboard power generation using liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled solid oxide fuel cells, providing operational flexibility in regions where grid connections are constrained or unavailable. Seawater will be used as the primary cooling medium, reducing dependence on conventional mechanical cooling systems and improving overall energy efficiency.
Samsung has been expanding partnerships to accelerate commercialization of the concept. Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with Greek shipping company Capital Clean Energy Carriers and classification society Lloyd's Register, under which Samsung will lead platform design and construction, Capital will support project sourcing and investment, and Lloyd's Register will oversee regulatory compliance and certification. The company has also collaborated with U.S.-based Mousterian Corporation (M3) and previously worked with Supermicro to validate the performance of AI server hardware in marine environments.
The initiative reflects growing interest in floating data centers as AI infrastructure demand accelerates worldwide. Traditional data center markets are increasingly constrained by shortages of suitable land, lengthy utility interconnection timelines, and rising cooling requirements for next-generation AI clusters. Offshore facilities offer an alternative by combining modular construction with access to abundant seawater for cooling while reducing pressure on densely populated urban markets.
Samsung's plans also place it among a growing group of companies exploring marine-based digital infrastructure. Similar projects are under development in Singapore, Japan, and the United States as operators evaluate floating platforms for hyperscale AI deployments. Unlike underwater data centers, floating facilities remain accessible for maintenance and upgrades while retaining the mobility to be relocated if infrastructure or customer requirements change.
For the data center industry, the commercialization timeline signals that floating infrastructure is moving beyond concept studies toward deployable projects. As AI workloads continue driving unprecedented demand for compute capacity, innovations that combine scalable power, efficient cooling, and faster deployment could become an increasingly important part of the global digital infrastructure landscape. If Samsung meets its 2028 target, the project would represent one of the first commercially available floating AI data center platforms designed specifically for hyperscale computing.
