(HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)
South Korea’s shipbuilding industry is drawing attention as it expands into the artificial intelligence (AI) data center market, positioning it as a new growth driver.
Leveraging their expertise in ship construction and engine technology, companies are broadening their scope into power supply and offshore platforms.
According to industry sources on Monday, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. has moved quickly among shipbuilders by securing a contract in the U.S. market to supply power generation equipment for data centers.
The company signed a deal with Aperion Energy Group to supply 684 megawatts of power generation facilities. The contract is valued at 627.1 billion won ($425 million) and will be used for data center power infrastructure.
Traditionally, gas turbine-based power generation has been the norm, but rising construction costs and delays in delivery have recently made timely supply more difficult. As a result, engine-based power generation systems – known for faster deployment and flexibility – are emerging as an alternative.
Hanwha Engine Co. and STX Engine Co. are also reportedly reviewing business expansion plans to respond to growing demand for data center power.
“HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ HiMSEN Engine contract for U.S. data centers confirms that increasing AI investment is translating into demand for power-generation engines,” said Choi Kwang-sik, an analyst at Daol Investment & Securities Co. “Hanwha Engine’s mid-speed engine business, which resumed last year, is also likely to expand into the U.S. data center market.”
The shipbuilding industry is also moving further into floating data centers (FDCs).
Samsung Heavy Industries Co. has begun entering the global market after securing approval for a 50 MW-lass FDC concept design at Data Center World 2026.
FDCs are structures where servers are instead on barges, ships, or offshore platforms, requiring shipbuilders’ capabilities in design, construction, and conversion.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Marine Solution Co. are also exploring opportunities in this space.
“With the spread of AI data centers, there is a need to solve both power supply and land constraints simultaneously,” said an industry official. “Shipbuilders’ engine and construction technologies are emerging as a new solution. They are rapidly expanding their role beyond shipbuilding into power supply and infrastructure development.”
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