Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi), and Hitachi Systems, Ltd. (Hitachi Systems) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development, operation, and commercialization of a Floating Data Center (FDC) converted from a second-hand vessel.

Based on this MoU, the companies will conduct demand verification, review basic specifications and operational procedures, and carry out feasibility studies for commercialization of an FDC, with a view to commencing operations in 2027 or later.

The project will focus primarily on Japan, where the Hitachi Group already has operational experience in land-based data centers, as well as Malaysia and the United States, where there are proven track records in providing services related to land-based data centers.

The joint statement noted that in recent years, demand for data centers has continued to grow alongside the rapid proliferation of generative AI, creating a need for diverse range of data center solutions that take into account factors such as location, the availability of water resources for power generation and cooling, surrounding infrastructure, and disaster risks.

Leveraging their respective experience, insights, and expertise, the three companies will assess the feasibility of commercializing FDC converted from a used vessel-a solution that eliminates the need to secure large tracts of land, enables short construction periods and mobility, and reduces environmental impact and costs through the reuse of existing hulls.

MOL will take the lead on the maritime components of the project, drawing on its experience in vessel conversion, port‑authority coordination and operational planning. The company will oversee vessel‑conversion studies, engage with port stakeholders, define requirements for mooring and maintenance, and examine potential financing structures.

Hitachi and Hitachi Systems, guided by Hitachi's Strategic SIB Business Unit, will focus on the data‑center and IT infrastructure elements. Leveraging their track record in operating land‑based and containerized data centers in Japan, Malaysia and the United States, the companies will conduct technical studies on data‑center design, installation and operations. Their responsibilities also include defining networking and security requirements, applying local market expertise, and supporting customer‑requirement development and acquisition.

Hitachi will also look to expand the use of its "HMAX by Hitachi" suite—an AI‑driven set of next‑generation solutions designed for complex social‑infrastructure challenges—to further streamline and advance data‑center operations as the project progresses.

MOL outlined several advantages of floating data centers over traditional land-based facilities. It said that securing larget suburban sites for data centers is increasingly difficult due to land shortages and infrastructure constraints, prompting some cities to consider halting new builds. FDCs, deployed in ports and rivers, avoid land‑acquisition challenges and associated costs.

They also offer faster development, with renovation typically taking about a year—up to three years shorter than conventional builds. As floating structures, FDCs can use seawater or river water for cooling, reducing power consumption and avoiding conflicts over potable water supplies. Their mobility also allows operators to relocate capacity as demand shifts.

MOL also noted the benefits of converting existing vessels into floating data centers, noting that repurposed ship hulls can cut environmental impact, reduce upfront investment and provide substantial floor space for large‑scale deployments.

Repurposing existing ship hulls reduces the environmental impact associated with extracting and processing raw materials for new construction. It also lowers initial investment requirements, as many onboard systems—such as air conditioning, water intake and power generation—can be reused.

MOL said converted vessels also offer substantial space. For example, a car carrier with a floor area of roughly 54,000 m² would rival the capacity of one of Japan's largest onshore data centers.