03.19.08
Floating Data Centers
International Data Security (IDS), a Silicon Valley startup, is building data centers on a fleet of decommissioned cargo ships using sea water as a coolant. Shipboard cargo spaces will be built out as data center floors and deck space will be used to stack modular data centers in standard shipping containers. The ships will connect to onshore power and network links, fuel backup power generators with biodiesel and reuse equipment waste heat to manage onboard temperatures. IDS projects that using sea water as a coolant will save about 30% of their energy costs. The first ship will go online this April, and will be berthed in San Francisco’s Pier 50.