HD Korea Shipbuilding, Schneider Electric to Co-Develop Floating Data Center Infrastructure

HD Korea Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (HD Hyundai Heavy Industries) has partnered with French energy management firm Schneider Electric to develop technology for floating data centers (FDC). The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will see the two companies jointly develop the necessary infrastructure for FDCs. HD Korea Shipbuilding will focus on the hardware aspects, leveraging its shipbuilding expertise to design and construct the floating structures. Schneider Electric will contribute its capabilities in managing power, cooling, and energy for data centers, focusing on the software side. This venture aims to provide an alternative to traditional land-based data centers, which often face difficulties in securing suitable sites. FDCs can utilize seawater for cooling, a more efficient method. However, the companies acknowledge the unique environmental challenges of operating data centers at sea, including managing vibrations, inclination, and exposure to saline air and humidity. Developing robust technologies to ensure server longevity in these conditions will be critical for the success of FDCs.