LR, Samsung Heavy and Capital Partner on Floating Data Center Design

Lloyd's Register (LR), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp have signed a joint development project agreement to advance the design of a floating data center, a concept aimed at addressing growing demand for digital infrastructure driven by artificial intelligence technologies.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), announced at Posidonia 2026, covers a floating data center design that combines shipbuilding techniques with data center technology to create offshore digital infrastructure.

The concept is designed to use standardized shipbuilding processes to shorten delivery times, while incorporating onboard power generation and seawater cooling. According to LR, its technical assessment confirmed the feasibility of SHI's design, including structural integrity, safety considerations and integration of onboard power generation systems.

The companies said floating data centers could provide an alternative to conventional land-based facilities, where constraints related to space, power supply and cooling are becoming more significant.

In addition to the joint development project, Lloyd's Register Advisory signed a separate memorandum of understanding with SHI to support feasibility studies, techno-economic modelling and business case development for the floating data center concept.

“This agreement highlights how owners and yards are rethinking asset strategy as digital infrastructure demand accelerates. Early-stage assurance will be important as projects scale, helping developers de-risk complex designs, secure investment and bring new offshore assets to market with confidence in their safety, performance and long-term efficiency,” said Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register.

“This FDC concept represents a natural extension of our shipbuilding capabilities into the digital infrastructure sector. Combined with sustainable energy solutions, it will set new standards in the global data market and serve as a key driver of future growth,” added Young-kyu Ahn, Chief Technology Officer at SHI.