Hanwha Ocean is advancing the core technology of floating data centers (FDC), which are gaining attention as next-generation marine infrastructure.
On November 5, Hanwha Ocean announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global electrification and automation technology company ABB to collaborate on power and control system technology for floating data centers.
Hanwha Ocean previously unveiled its self-developed floating data center model at 'Gastech 2026.' This agreement aims to combine Hanwha Ocean's marine facility design and construction capabilities with ABB's data center power solution technology to enhance power supply and operational technology suitable for marine environments.
A floating data center is a facility that installs servers and power and cooling equipment on a marine floating structure. With the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry increasing demand for data processing, floating data centers are being recognized as a solution to land-based data center site and power supply issues.
The two companies plan to collaborate on power system design reviews and the development of operational and control technologies to achieve stable power supply and improved operational efficiency by May 2027.
Hanwha Ocean will be responsible for the basic design of the floating data center and the configuration of the power system, establishing design criteria for liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine-based power generation facilities. Based on this, they will examine the placement and applicability of key equipment suitable for marine environments. ABB will analyze the reliability and power quality of the power system based on Hanwha Ocean's designs and will be responsible for technical reviews aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Given that AI data centers can experience rapid fluctuations in power usage during processing, the two companies will develop technology to adjust the output of LNG engines and ensure stable operation of power facilities. ABB will also participate in developing integrated control technology that links power generation facilities with power systems to respond to changes in power demand.
Through this collaboration, Hanwha Ocean aims to expand its existing marine plant design and construction capabilities into the digital infrastructure sector and enhance the technological competitiveness of floating data centers.
Heo Yoon, head of Hanwha Ocean's Product Strategy Technology Division, stated, "As the AI industry grows, the importance of technology that supports stable power supply and efficient operation for data centers is increasing. Through our collaboration with ABB, we aim to enhance the technical completeness of floating data center solutions suitable for marine environments and broaden the growth foundation for future marine businesses."
Meanwhile, Hanwha Ocean has previously received basic approval (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its self-developed concept design of a 60-megawatt (MW) floating data center.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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