- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Kinetics (by Karpowership) signed an MOU to co-develop a next-generation floating data center using a retrofitted vessel.
- The platform will be powered by flexible sources including Powerships, grids, and renewables, offering mobility, energy efficiency, and faster deployment than land-based alternatives.
- The pilot project targets a 2027 launch, featuring scalable data capacity (20–73 MW), direct seawater cooling, and reduced costs through vessel conversion.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), a global leader in maritime transport, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kinetics—the clean energy arm of Karpowership—to jointly develop a floating data center platform. The collaboration will leverage MOL’s shipping expertise and Kinetics’ mobile energy solutions to deploy a scalable, mobile, and environmentally efficient alternative to conventional land-based data centers.
Floating Data Center Concept
The project centers around the design, retrofit, and deployment of a vessel that hosts a data center, powered continuously by Karpowership’s floating power units. The power source may also integrate with onshore grids, solar farms, or offshore wind depending on regional requirements. This concept aims to circumvent land and power availability constraints, providing immediate, flexible data capacity where needed.
Strategic Vision
Kinetics CEO Mehmet Katmer stated the project addresses key infrastructure bottlenecks by combining mobile energy with digital infrastructure. MOL’s Executive Officer Tomoaki Ichida emphasized the company’s commitment to developing socially responsive infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact. The partnership signals a forward-looking commitment to cleaner, quicker, and more adaptable digital solutions.
Project Timeline and Details
- 2025: Design completion, stakeholder agreements
- 2026: Vessel conversion and permitting
- 2027: Operational launch of the offshore data center
Pilot Project Specifications
- Data Capacity: 20–73 MW, expandable by module
- Cooling: Direct water cooling via sea or river
- Vessel: 120m LOA, 9,731 GT, 21.2m beam
- Power: Powership using multi-fuel systems (e.g., LNG), with grid connection as optional
- Connectivity: Link to land-based internet exchange and submarine cables
Advantages of Offshore Over Land-Based Centers
- Independence from Local Grids: Immediate operations even in power-constrained regions
- No Land Acquisition: Avoids urban land constraints and costs
- Faster Deployment: Vessel conversion in ~1 year vs. ~4 years for land-based data centers
- Mobility: Fully relocatable; may operate while navigating
- Lower Environmental Impact: Uses existing ship hulls, reducing raw material use
- Reduced CAPEX and OPEX: Reuses ship systems and applies energy-efficient seawater cooling
Reusing Vessels for a Digital Future
Repurposing vessels like car carriers can yield up to 54,000 m² of usable space, matching Japan’s largest land-based data centers in capacity. MOL’s initiative underlines its strategy to diversify into infrastructure while advancing sustainable technologies.
About Kinetics
Kinetics, a Karpowership venture, provides modular, mobile clean energy systems including floating LNG assets, renewable platforms, and battery storage solutions. Focused on innovation and decarbonization, Kinetics aims to redefine global energy deployment.
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Source: Mitsui O.S.K.Lines
