ABS has issued an Approval in Principle certificate to Samsung Heavy Industries for its design of a 50-megawatt floating data centre, marking a significant step in the development of offshore digital infrastructure as demand for data processing capacity continues to grow alongside advances in artificial intelligence.
SHI’s design leverages a standardised shipbuilding process that integrates design, manufacturing and equipment installation concurrently, enabling shorter lead times compared to conventional construction approaches.
The concept incorporates a proprietary power generation system designed to minimise dependence on onshore electricity grids, addressing one of the primary constraints associated with land-based data centre development.
Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President for Global Engineering, highlighted the alignment between the floating data centre concept and the expanding infrastructure requirements of AI and data-intensive operations, noting that offshore deployment could mitigate certain site-specific risks while relieving pressure on local energy networks.
Young-kyu Ahn, Chief Technology Officer of Samsung Heavy Industries, described floating data centres as a new business model extending shipbuilding capabilities into the digital infrastructure sector, framing the concept as a driver of future growth when combined with eco-friendly energy solutions.
The AIP follows ABS design reviews conducted against applicable class requirements and positions the concept for further development toward commercial deployment.
