Hanwha Ocean 與 ABB 合作開發浮動數據中心技術

A model of a floating data center developed by Hanwha Ocean. (Image: Hanwha Ocean)

Hanwha Ocean said on Nov. 5 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ABB, a global electrification and automation technology company, to collaborate on power and control systems for floating data centers (FDCs).

The partnership will combine Hanwha Ocean's offshore facility design and construction capabilities with ABB's expertise in data center power solutions. The companies aim to advance power supply and operational technologies suited to offshore environments.

The two companies will review power system designs and develop operational and control technologies through May 2027, with the goal of ensuring stable power supply and efficient FDC operations.

ABB supplies power distribution and management systems as well as industrial automation solutions. In the data center sector, it provides power management and control technologies designed to ensure reliable electricity supply and improve energy efficiency.

FDCs are data centers built on floating offshore structures equipped with servers, power systems and cooling facilities. They are gaining attention as an alternative to land-based data centers, which face constraints in securing sites and electricity amid surging demand for data processing.

Hanwha Ocean will be responsible for the basic design and power system configuration of FDCs. It will establish design standards for power generation facilities using liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines and review the placement and suitability of major equipment for offshore environments. ABB will analyze power system reliability and power quality based on Hanwha Ocean's designs and conduct technical reviews to improve operational efficiency.

Power consumption at data centers has become increasingly volatile during computing operations as the artificial intelligence (AI) industry expands. The companies will develop technologies to adjust LNG engine output and ensure stable operation of power equipment in response to these fluctuations. ABB will focus on developing integrated control technologies for power generation facilities and electrical systems to maintain a stable power supply.

Hanwha Ocean plans to use the partnership to extend its offshore plant design and construction capabilities into future digital infrastructure and further strengthen the technological competitiveness of its FDC business.