SHI targets floating data centre market through global partnership strategy

Samsung Heavy Industries (Samsung Heavy Industries) is positioning itself in the emerging floating data centre market after signing a series of agreements aimed at building a global ecosystem combining shipbuilding, investment, regulation and AI infrastructure development. 
 
The South Korean shipbuilder has signed a memorandum of understanding with Greece-based Capital Maritime & Trading Corp and classification society Lloyd’s Register to jointly explore floating data centre (FDC) business opportunities. 
 
Under the agreement, SHI will take responsibility for technology development and construction of floating data centre units, while Capital will focus on sourcing projects and investment. Lloyd’s Register will support the initiative by developing regulatory frameworks and technical rules applicable to floating data centre operations. 
 
In a parallel agreement, SHI also signed an MoU with LR Advisory, the consulting arm of Lloyd’s Register, to collaborate on North American market analysis, infrastructure feasibility studies and broader commercial assessments. The aim is to position the group for early entry into what is expected to become a rapidly expanding global market. 
 
SHI additionally entered into a joint development agreement with US-based AI server specialist Super Micro Computer. The partnership will focus on adapting AI server infrastructure for offshore use, where equipment is exposed to vibration, changes in humidity, salinity and structural movement – all of which can significantly affect performance and durability. 
 
As part of the initiative, SHI will develop offshore positioning control systems and protective technologies to shield sensitive IT equipment from environmental stress, while Supermicro will test and validate server performance in marine and river-based conditions. 
 
The push comes amid strong forecasts for data centre expansion driven by artificial intelligence. According to Moody’s, global investment in high-performance AI data centre infrastructure could reach up to $3 trillion by 2030, highlighting the scale of opportunity in the sector. 
 
In response, SHI is building a broad international partnership network covering investment sourcing, technical development, regulatory alignment and market analysis, as it seeks to establish a leading position in the floating data centre segment. 
 
“Floating data centres represent a major new opportunity for the shipbuilding and offshore industries,” said Sung-an Choi, vice chairman and CEO of SHI. “Through global partnerships, we aim to establish a leading position in the FDC market by moving proactively and establishing a differentiated market position.”