The Japanese shipping group Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) is planning to convert second-hand ships into floating data centers.

The shipping giant has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hitachi and Hitachi Systems for the development, operation, and commercialization of a ‘floating data center’ (FDC) converted from a second-hand vessel.

The companies will conduct demand verification, review basic specifications and operational procedures, and carry out feasibility studies for commercialization of an FDC, with a view to commencing operations in 2027 or later.

The project will focus primarily on Japan, where the Hitachi Group already has operational experience in land-based data centers, as well as Malaysia and the United States, where there are proven track records in providing services related to land-based data centers.

In recent years, demand for data centers has continued to grow alongside the rapid proliferation of generative AI, creating a need for diverse range of data center solutions that take into account factors such as location, the availability of water resources for power generation and cooling, surrounding infrastructure, and disaster risks.

MOL will be responsible for planning and promoting vessel conversions, leading discussions with port authorities and other stakeholders, defining maritime operational requirements such as mooring and maintenance and examining financing structures.

On the other hand, Hitachi and Hitachi Systems will leverage their experience in owning and operating land-based data centers in Japan, installing containerized data centers, and providing land-based data center services in Malaysia and the United States.

They will be responsible for technical studies on data center design, installation, and operation, defining IT infrastructure requirements such as networking and security, utilizing local expertise, and collaborating on customer requirement clarification and customer acquisition.