Samsung is planning to construct the world’s first floating data center for artificial intelligence by 2028. The company’s shipbuilding division is developing a specialized 50-megawatt barge that will house a server room, its own power generation system, and tanks for liquefied natural gas.
The initial version of the project will be located near the coast rather than in the open sea, and will partially rely on a connection to the onshore power grid.
The company views deploying data centers on water as a solution to the challenges faced when building computing infrastructure on land. Modern data processing centers require vast amounts of space, significant electricity supplies, and water for cooling equipment. At the same time, these projects are increasingly encountering limitations in resource availability and opposition from local communities.
Samsung’s design involves creating a new floating structure rather than retrofitting an existing vessel. However, the technology remains experimental for now: the marine environment introduces additional complications due to corrosion, storm impacts, and the need to lay communication and power supply lines to the facility. The economic viability of this approach has yet to be proven.
For Samsung, this project is also tied to the growth of its shipbuilding business. The company aims to leverage its experience in constructing large marine structures for a new segment of artificial intelligence infrastructure. The CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries stated that floating data centers could emerge as a new frontier for the shipbuilding and maritime industries.
Other companies are also advancing the idea of placing computing power at sea. Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Hitachi are working on installing data center equipment on existing vessels, with plans for a launch in 2027, while China has already deployed an underwater data center. Samsung has also formed partnerships with Capital Clean Energy Carriers, Lloyd’s Register, and Supermicro to test technologies for the marine operation of AI servers.
For now, floating data centers remain an experimental venture, but the growing demand for artificial intelligence computing is driving companies to explore new ways to house energy-intensive infrastructure.
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