Japanese companies propose floating data centres to ease demand for land and power
Four companies are developing plans for server facilities moored at ports, building on a renewable-powered demonstration already under way in Yokohama.
By The Register
Four Japanese companies are developing a concept for floating data centres that could provide additional computing capacity without requiring conventional development sites on land.
Shipping group NYK Line, engineering company NTT Facilities, renewable energy developer Eurus Energy and MUFG Bank are working together on facilities designed to operate from floating platforms moored alongside port infrastructure.
The proposal comes amid growing demand for data centres, driven partly by the expansion of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Finding suitable sites, securing electricity supplies and managing construction times have become increasingly difficult for developers.
Rather than immediately positioning facilities far out at sea, the consortium is concentrating on a port-based design that could make use of existing infrastructure.
Keeping the platforms close to shore would provide access to nearby electricity supplies, telecommunications connections and maintenance services.
The companies see this approach as a possible step towards developing facilities in more remote offshore locations.
Building on a demonstration in Yokohama
The latest concept follows an earlier agreement between the four companies and the city of Yokohama to test a floating data centre powered by renewable electricity.
The partnership signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2025, setting out plans for a demonstration using an existing floating structure at Yokohama’s Osanbashi Pier.
The platform measures approximately 25 metres by 80 metres and was originally installed as part of the port’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.
Testing began on 25 March 2026, using solar generation and battery storage to support a demonstration intended to operate entirely on renewable electricity.
The project is designed to examine whether floating computing facilities can operate reliably while reducing their environmental impact.
The consortium has since developed its port-based concept as another potential route towards commercial deployment.
Challenges remain for offshore facilities
Although placing data centres at sea could reduce competition for development land, the technology presents significant engineering and operational challenges.
More remote installations would need reliable electricity supplies, high-capacity data connections and practical arrangements for equipment maintenance.
The companies are also exploring the potential use of offshore wind power to supply future facilities.
Under the consortium’s division of responsibilities, NYK Line will coordinate the project and pursue business development.
NTT Facilities will assess technical requirements for design, construction and stable operation, while Eurus Energy will examine renewable energy supply.
MUFG Bank will explore business opportunities and potential financial support.
The companies have not announced the expected computing capacity of a commercial installation or a timetable for bringing one into operation.
Competition in floating computing
Other companies are examining similar approaches as demand for computing infrastructure continues to increase.
South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries has outlined plans for a floating data centre, with an initial facility targeted for operation in the second quarter of 2028.
For the Japanese consortium, the immediate priority is establishing whether a port-based installation can overcome some of the practical barriers associated with placing computing infrastructure offshore.
Its existing Yokohama demonstration provides an opportunity to test the technology, but the wider concept remains under development rather than an approved commercial rollout.