Hanwha Ocean teams up with ABB Ltd to advance technology for ‘data centers at sea’

[Financial News] Hanwha Ocean is stepping up development of key technologies for floating data centers (FDCs), designed to bring data centers to the sea, in partnership with ABB Ltd, a global electrical and automation company.
Hanwha Ocean said on the 5th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ABB Ltd to collaborate on power and control system technologies for floating data centers.
A floating data center is a data center equipped with servers, power systems, cooling equipment and other facilities on a structure floating at sea. With the growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry driving a sharp increase in demand for data processing and electricity, floating data centers are attracting attention as an alternative that could address the challenges of securing sites and supplying power for land-based data centers.
Hanwha Ocean first unveiled its self-developed floating data center model at the recent Gastech 2026. The agreement builds on the model showcased at the event and aims to enhance the technical readiness needed for commercialization by combining Hanwha Ocean’s offshore plant design and construction expertise with ABB Ltd’s data center power solutions. The two companies will work together through May 2027 to develop technologies for ensuring a stable power supply and efficient operation of floating data centers. They plan to proceed in stages, from reviewing power system designs to developing operation and control technologies.
Hanwha Ocean will be responsible for the basic design of the floating data center and the configuration of its power system. It will establish design criteria for power-generation facilities using liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines and review the layout and applicability of key equipment suited to marine conditions. ABB Ltd will analyze the reliability and power quality of the power system designed by Hanwha Ocean and conduct technical reviews aimed at improving operational efficiency.
In particular, the two companies plan to focus on developing integrated control technologies that can respond to sharp fluctuations in power demand at AI data centers. Since power consumption can vary greatly depending on the volume of AI computations, they aim to secure technologies for adjusting LNG engine output and stably operating power-generation facilities and power systems.
Through this collaboration, Hanwha Ocean plans to expand its existing capabilities in offshore plant design and construction into the digital infrastructure sector and strengthen the competitiveness of its future marine businesses.
Heo Yun, executive vice president and head of Hanwha Ocean’s Product Strategy and Technology Institute, said, “As the AI industry grows, technologies that support the stable supply of power to data centers and their efficient operation are becoming increasingly important. Through our collaboration with ABB Ltd, we will enhance the technical readiness of floating data center solutions suited to marine conditions and broaden the foundation for growth in our future marine businesses.”
[email protected] Jung Won-il Reporter