The company said it attended Data Center World (DCW 2026), held April 20-23 (local time) in Washington, and secured a foothold for global market entry for its in-house developed FDC.
An FDC is a model that builds data centers at sea as demand surges with the spread of artificial intelligence. It is drawing attention as an alternative that can address land acquisition, power supply and cooling efficiency constraints. At the event, Samsung Heavy said it obtained approval in principle for a 50-megawatt FDC concept design from U.S. classification society ABS and U.K.-based Lloyd’s Register.
The certified design is based on a standardized shipyard construction process that integrates design, fabrication and equipment installation, which the company said can shorten delivery times compared with land-based data centers. It can also be fitted with an in-house power generation system, reducing reliance on onshore electricity, it said.
Samsung Heavy said it also expanded cooperation with global companies during the event. It is pursuing collaboration with electrification and automation firm ABB to develop an FDC power system, and signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. data center developer Musterian to develop an FDC in the United States.
The company said it plans to use the certifications as a starting point to push commercialization by linking power-system development with U.S. permitting and partnerships for local operations.
Choi Won-young, chairman of Samsung Heavy’s workers’ council, attended the event, highlighting labor-management participation. “The council will actively take part in the growth of new businesses such as the FDC,” Choi said.
Ahn, the technology development chief, called the FDC “a new business model that expands shipbuilding technology into the digital infrastructure industry.” He said it would “set a new standard in the global data market” when combined with eco-friendly energy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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