South Korean Shipbuilders Target Floating Data Centers as Samsung Heavy Partners With OpenAI on AI Opportunity

Demand for AI computing power is rising rapidly, while land-based data centers face constraints including site availability, grid connections and lengthy approval processes. With about half of their electricity consumption used for cooling, operators are also looking to move facilities offshore. Floating data centers can use seawater for cooling and either draw power in port or generate their own electricity. This is prompting HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries to apply their shipbuilding and floating LNG facility expertise to AI infrastructure.

Samsung Heavy Industries began collaborating with OpenAI on floating data center development in October 2025, with no financial terms disclosed. In April 2026, its 50 MW design received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd's Register. In June, the company signed agreements with Greek shipowner Capital Clean Energy Carriers and Lloyd's Register to advance commercialization. The design uses LNG-powered solid oxide fuel cells for electricity, while Samsung Heavy is working with Supermicro to validate servers' ability to operate at sea.