Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Hitachi Launch Initiatives for Joint Development of Floating Data Centers Utilizing Converted Used Vessels

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (President: Takeshi Hashimoto, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "MOL"), Hitachi, Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Executive Officer, President and CEO: Toshiaki Tokunaga, hereinafter "Hitachi"), and Hitachi Systems, Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director, President and COO: Takehiko Watanabe, hereinafter "Hitachi Systems") have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development, operation, and commercialization of "Floating Data Centers (FDC) converted from used vessels" (Note). Based on this MOU, the three companies will, with a view to commencing operations after 2027, focus on verifying demand for FDCs, their basic specifications, and operational procedures, as well as business feasibility, primarily in Japan where the Hitachi Group has operational experience with land-based data centers, and in Malaysia and the United States, where they have experience providing land-based data center-related services.

Image of an FDC converted from a used vessel

In recent years, with the rapid spread of generative AI, demand for data centers has continued to expand, requiring diverse supply forms that consider location, securing water resources for power and cooling, surrounding infrastructure, and disaster risks. The three companies will leverage their respective achievements, knowledge, and expertise to verify the commercialization of "FDCs converted from used vessels," an option that does not require large-scale land acquisition, can be built in a short period, is movable, and reduces environmental impact and costs by reusing existing hulls.

Roles of Each Company

・ Mitsui O.S.K. Lines:

Based on its track record of planning and promoting the conversion of vessels into data centers worldwide, coordinating with port authorities, and evaluating maritime operational aspects including mooring and maintenance, MOL will be responsible for "planning and promoting vessel conversion, leading consultations with port authorities, organizing maritime operational requirements such as mooring and maintenance, and examining financing schemes."

・ Hitachi, Ltd. / Hitachi Systems, Ltd.:

Hitachi and Hitachi Systems, led by the Strategic SIB Business Unit which drives the acquisition of new growth opportunities, will leverage their experience in owning and operating land-based data centers in Japan, constructing containerized data centers, and providing land-based data center facility services in Malaysia and the United States. They will be responsible for "technical examination of data center design, construction, and operation, definition of IT infrastructure requirements such as networks and security, utilization of local knowledge, and cooperation in organizing customer requirements and developing customers."

Furthermore, the Hitachi Group is challenging the most complex issues facing social infrastructure by combining advanced AI enhanced with deep domain knowledge with its next-generation solution suite, "HMAX by Hitachi (hereinafter "HMAX").