Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), NTT FACILITIES, INC., Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation, and MUFG Bank, Ltd. (collectively, the "Consortium") have developed a new port-based offshore floating data center concept as part of their efforts to realize offshore floating data centers. The newly developed concept is expected to expand deployment options for offshore floating data centers and accelerate their practical application.
The rapid growth in demand for data centers worldwide has intensified challenges such as shortages of suitable development sites and power supply, as well as extended construction lead times. Offshore floating data centers are considered a promising solution to these issues, making it important to explore multiple deployment models to improve their feasibility and support future implementation.
Among the concepts under consideration, offshore floating data centers located farther from shore are regarded as an ideal deployment model because they can more readily utilize large-scale renewable energy sources such as offshore wind power while also providing scalability and operational independence.
At the same time, several issues remain to be addressed before large-scale offshore deployment can be realized, including accessibility, high-capacity telecommunications connectivity, and power supply configurations independent of conventional transmission and distribution networks. As the Consortium continued to evaluate additional deployment models suited to different use cases and site conditions, it developed the new port-based offshore floating data center concept.
The port-based offshore floating data center concept envisions a floating data center moored alongside a quay within a port area.
Compared with offshore floating data centers designed for operation in open-sea environments, the port-based concept can be deployed across a wide range of locations, from metropolitan areas to regional communities. In addition, it can utilize existing infrastructure while taking advantage of coastal resources, including local power generation facilities.
Both the port-based and offshore deployment models share advantages unique to offshore floating data centers. By combining the benefits of marine-based infrastructure with deployment flexibility, the Consortium believes offshore floating data centers can help address growing constraints on land availability and power supply, as well as the future expansion of digital infrastructure.
By realizing the port-based offshore floating data center concept, the Consortium aims to accelerate the practical application of offshore floating data centers and pave the way for their future deployment farther from shore.
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)
Founded in 1885, NYK Line is a global logistics company that focuses on various forms of marine transportation, such as global logistics and bulk energy transportation, among many other related businesses. Operating one of the world's largest transportation networks, the company owns and operates a diverse fleet of car carriers, container carriers, and energy carriers. In recent years, we have actively entered new business areas, including the decarbonization business, by leveraging the knowledge and technology we have cultivated over many decades in shipping. Through innovative technology development and business creation, we will provide new value that transcends the boundaries of the shipping business and contributes to the realization of a sustainable society.
In this project, NYK Line will oversee the entire initiative and promote the development of the offshore data center business.
NTT FACILITIES, INC.
NTT FACILITIES, INC. has over 100 years of experience in the design, construction, and maintenance of telecommunications buildings. The company specializes in the construction of large-scale data centers primarily in Japan, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to approximately 70%* of the data centers constructed and operated in Japan.
In this project, NTT FACILITIES will conduct technical verification for the design, construction, and stable operation of offshore floating data centers. Through this verification process, the company will accumulate engineering know-how applicable not only to offshore environments but also to future data center developments in a broad range of settings.
* Based on the number of projects scheduled for completion between 2024 and 2026 (NTT FACILITIES, INC. research).
Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation
Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation has been engaged in the wind power generation and solar power generation business globally for more than 30 years and is Japan's leading company in terms of grid-connected wind power generation capacity.
By effectively utilizing the electricity generated by offshore wind power, which is expected to become a major power source in Japan, Eurus Energy aims to promote the carbon neutrality of data centers and contribute to the realization of sustainable digital infrastructure.
MUFG Bank, Ltd.
MUFG Bank, Ltd. is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), which defines its purpose as "Committed to empowering a brighter future" under the guiding principles of the MUFG Way. MUFG is committed to addressing the challenges faced by all stakeholders, including customers, to realize a sustainable environment and society.
In this project, MUFG Bank will leverage its financial expertise and extensive network to explore co-creation opportunities for next-generation data center businesses and consider providing financial support for related ventures.
