A groundbreaking initiative is underway as Japanese and UK firms collaborate to develop what they describe as the world’s first large-scale floating data center. This ambitious project aims to address the surging demand for data processing power, driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing, while overcoming the land and energy constraints faced by traditional data centers.
Leading the charge from Japan are major players such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), NYK Line, NTT Facilities, and Eurus Energy Holdings, with support from financial institutions like MUFG Bank and the city of Yokohama. The UK’s involvement is rooted in a broader digital partnership with Japan, which focuses on joint research, technology sharing, and digital infrastructure innovation. The floating data center will be housed on a retrofitted vessel or a dedicated floating platform, equipped with containerized data modules, renewable energy systems, and advanced water-cooling technologies.
The demonstration phase is set to begin at Yokohama Port’s Osanbashi Pier, where a 25-meter by 80-meter floating platform will serve as the testbed. The facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy, including solar panels and battery storage, and may integrate offshore wind power in the future. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency and resilience but also positions the data center away from Japan’s congested power grids, reducing environmental impact and freeing up valuable urban land.
If successful, this project could pave the way for a network of offshore data centers, strategically located near renewable energy sources and connected to global internet exchanges via submarine cables. The collaboration between Japanese and UK firms highlights a shared commitment to digital innovation and sustainability, potentially setting new standards for the global data center industry.
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(Source: Capacity Media | DCD Noticias | Nikkei Asia)
