Samsung is reportedly planning to launch its floating data centers in the second quarter of 2028.

The Korean company’s heavy industries division intends to have orders for the data centers in place to coincide with the launch, according to a report from shipping industry publication TradeWinds News.

Apparently, Samsung Heavy Industries is “pursuing multiple feasible projects in line with the goal of commercializing the FDC by the second quarter of 2028.”

The report notes that Samsung Heavy Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with Greek shipbuilding firm Capital and UK-based financial services company Lloyds Register to develop floating data centers. The agreement will see Samsung developing the floating data center technology, with Capital overseeing project sourcing and investment, and Lloyd’s Register handling regulatory issues.

In May, DCD reported that Samsung’s maritime engineering division had signed a deal with a new company, Mousterian Corporation (M3), to develop floating data centers.

Texas-based M3 will work with Samsung Heavy Industries to “jointly develop and deliver institutional-grade floating data center projects worldwide.” The firm’s founders previously worked for Nautlius, another floating data center project that DCD visited in 2022.

Companies around the world are embarking on floating data center projects, with many seeing them as a cost-effective alternative to expensive land-based facilities at a time when space in many jurisdictions is at a premium.

Keppel has started work on a 25MW floating facility in Singapore, due to come online in 2028, while US-based Panthalassa wants to harness the power of waves for floating data centers at sea.

Floating wind firm Aikido has also announced its entrance into the data center space with the launch of a floating offshore wind platform integrated with a modular AI-focused data center.