ABS Grants AIP to HD KSOE for 100 MW Floating Power Plant Design

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle (AIP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a 100 MW-class barge-mounted power plant (BMPP) designed to provide electricity to data centres, industrial complexes and other large power consumers.

The approval was issued at the HD Hyundai Global Research and Development Center and covers a floating power-generation concept intended for offshore deployment. The project comes as growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) applications and data centres increases the need for additional generation capacity.

The concept also addresses challenges associated with developing new land-based power plants, including site availability and permitting requirements. Floating power infrastructure could provide an alternative for locations where expanding terrestrial power-generation capacity is difficult.

HiMSEN Gas Engines to Generate Offshore Power

The BMPP design uses medium-speed HiMSEN gas engines to generate electricity offshore, with the power transmitted to users onshore.

As part of the AIP process, ABS reviewed the project’s basic concept, electrical single-line diagram and stability assessment. The reviews confirmed the technical feasibility of the design and its compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

The floating power concept could also support the development of floating data centres, where offshore generation could be integrated with facilities located on floating structures.

ABS and HD KSOE on Floating Power Technology

“Floating power generation offers a practical way to bring capacity online quickly in locations where land-based infrastructure is difficult to site or expand. ABS is proud to support HD KSOE as they advance this technology, and this AIP reflects our continued work with the industry to help develop new uses for ocean space, including power generation and floating data centers,” said Matt Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore Markets.

“Demand for stable and flexible power supply continues to grow with the expansion of AI and data centers. Building on this ABS approval in principle, we will further strengthen our technological competitiveness in the floating power plant sector and lead the future power-infrastructure market through our shipbuilding and offshore engineering capabilities,” said Dong-Jin Lee, Executive Vice President of HD KSOE Initial Design Office.

ABS said it is continuing to work with companies in the offshore and power sectors on technical requirements for floating power-generation systems as demand from data centres and other large-scale electricity users increases.