ABS and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have reached two important milestones in the development of floating data centers. This progress is part of a series of innovative agreements that followed the opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center in Washington, D.C.
The first milestone is a design approval agreement. Under this agreement, ABS will evaluate SHI's 50-megawatt (MW) floating data center against relevant class rules and IMO regulations, building on a previous approval in principle (AIP) granted earlier this year. The second milestone is the AIP for SHI’s 200 MW floating data center.
“Interest in floating data centers is increasing as the demand for data infrastructure exceeds what can be built on land. Moving these facilities offshore brings complexities, but also opportunities. ABS is excited to support SHI in advancing this technology,” said Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ABS.
SHI's designs use a standardized shipbuilding process which could help reduce construction time. The 200 MW AIP indicates a significant capacity increase compared to the earlier concept, aiming to meet the needs of large data center operators as demand for computing infrastructure due to AI continues to rise.
“Working with ABS allows us to lead in next-generation maritime technology. The agreement for the 50 MW design and the AIP for the 200 MW floating data center show SHI's unique technological strengths in the market,” stated Kyung-Hee Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Future Business Division at SHI.
ABS supports the entire life cycle of marine and offshore assets, from initial concept reviews to classification and ongoing support. You can find out more about how ABS collaborates with floating data center developers.