Rising AI power demand, grid constraints and opposition to land-based data centres are increasing interest in offshore facilities powered by small modular reactors (SMRs). Floating data centres could combine continuous nuclear power with seawater cooling, avoiding land-use pressures and reducing transmission losses.

A typical concept would pair a barge or offshore platform with an SMR and modular computing infrastructure, connected to shore through subsea power and fibre links. Surplus electricity could also be supplied to the grid.

However, commercial deployment faces major regulatory, insurance, financing and safety challenges. Nuclear licensing, maritime classification, waste management, liability and workforce requirements will need co-ordinated frameworks across governments, regulators and industry.

Collaboration between the nuclear, maritime and digital sectors will be essential to move floating SMR-powered data centres from concept to commercial operation.

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