SHIPPING giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) and tech conglomerate Hitachi Ltd. announced on Monday, March 30, the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to repurpose second-hand vessels into "Floating Data Centers" (FDCs), a move aimed at meeting the global surge in demand for generative AI infrastructure.
The initiative, which includes Hitachi Systems Ltd., seeks to bypass the increasing difficulty of securing large tracts of land for traditional data centers. By utilizing existing ship hulls, the companies aim to provide a mobile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to land-based facilities. Under the agreement, the three entities will conduct feasibility studies and review operational procedures with the goal of launching commercial FDC operations by 2027 or later. The project will initially focus on markets in Japan, Malaysia, and the United States — regions where the Hitachi Group already maintains a strong footprint in digital infrastructure.
According to the partners, converting a vessel takes approximately one year, potentially saving up to three years compared to conventional land-based construction. Furthermore, FDCs can utilize seawater or river water for cooling systems, addressing a growing conflict in regions where massive water consumption for AI server cooling has sparked concerns over potable water shortages.
A single large vessel, such as a car carrier, offers roughly 54,000 square meters of floor space, rivaling the largest onshore data centers in Japan while remaining relocatable based on shifting regional demand.
This "floating" infrastructure model holds significant potential for archipelagic nations like the Philippines, where land acquisition in high-demand urban hubs like Metro Manila can be prohibitively expensive and legally complex. By utilizing the country's extensive coastline and existing port infrastructure, FDCs could provide the rapid digital scaling needed for the Philippines' growing AI and BPO sectors without the long-term environmental footprint of traditional construction.
MOL will spearhead the maritime side of the venture, overseeing vessel conversion plans, mooring, maintenance, and coordination with port authorities. Hitachi and Hitachi Systems will manage the technical IT infrastructure, including network security and data center design, while integrating "HMAX by Hitachi" AI solutions to streamline operations.
By reusing existing onboard systems like air conditioning and power generation, the partners expect to significantly lower initial investment costs and reduce the environmental impact typically associated with the extraction of raw materials for new buildings.