Hitachi and MOL plan to turn retired ships into floating data centers

MOL and Hitachi signed a memorandum of understanding to build and operate floating data centers using repurposed ships.

The project aims to develop and commercialize a seafaring data center approach, with initial feasibility studies and construction focused in Japan.

The first operational units are planned to launch no earlier than 2027.

MOL will handle vessel conversion, port coordination, mooring, and maintenance; Hitachi and Hitachi Systems will design, install, and operate computing and hosting infrastructure and manage networking and security.

Repurposed ships will remain moored in ports and rely on land-based connectivity to provide services; MOL cites reduced land needs, shorter construction timelines, potential seawater/river cooling, and relocation flexibility as benefits.