Japanese shipping group NYK, working with a consortium including NTT Facilities, Eurus Energy Holdings and MUFG Bank, has developed a concept for floating data centres moored alongside quays within port areas, as part of efforts to establish offshore data centres as a practical option for expanding digital infrastructure.
The concept offers an alternative to facilities located farther offshore, where access, telecommunications connectivity and power supply independent of conventional transmission networks remain challenges.
Port-based facilities could be deployed using existing port infrastructure and drawing on local power generation. The consortium said the approach could help address constraints on land availability, electricity supply and data centre construction times.
The project also considers the potential to use renewable energy, including offshore wind power, to support the development of lower-carbon digital infrastructure.
NYK will oversee the initiative and promote development of the offshore data centre business, while NTT Facilities will conduct technical verification covering design, construction and stable operation. Eurus Energy will examine the use of offshore wind power, and MUFG Bank will explore business opportunities and potential financial support.
