Optimal Transit, a maritime technology company, has taken artificial intelligence to a new level with the launch of Kraaken.
This is a family of standardized 10 MW, 20 MW, 50 MW and 100 MW self-powered maritime AI data center platforms designed to fundamentally change how hyperscale computing infrastructure is deployed.
Kraaken generates its own continuous electrical power by combining the thermal energy naturally stored in the ocean with waste heat produced by the data center itself. waste heat that would otherwise be rejected becomes a valuable energy source through Optimal Transit’s patented multi-stage Digital Ocean Thermal (DOT) engine.
The Kraaken, when combined with the ocean’s deep cold water, becomes the world’s most resilient utility that can operate continuously and enable the global transition to grid-immune AI and utility infrastructures.
Moreover, the DOT engine incorporates multiple-stage Rankine cycle technology, enthalpy recovery logic, supercharging, and green ammonia (NH₃) synthesis to maximize thermal efficiency and provide reliable, carbon-free baseload electrical generation.
It is designed for continuous operation 365 days per year in marine environments ranging from equatorial waters to Arctic regions without requiring conventional fuel deliveries for data center operations.
Kraaken is built upon standardized SWATH hullforms, marine propulsion systems, and commercial equipment that the Optimal Transit team has developed, refined, and patented over decades of commercial and defense programs.
Kraaken Tackles AI’s Energy Demand
Scott Myers, President of Optimal Transit, says artificial intelligence is creating an unprecedented demand for power, water, and land.
Construction of a conventional 100 MW AI data center, as per industry reports, typically requires between $900 million and $1.5 billion in infrastructure investment, excluding servers and GPUs. Annual operating costs for electricity, cooling, and facility infrastructure can range from $80 million to $150 million.
Most projects continue to face lengthy and costly permitting processes and increasing public opposition due to power consumption, water usage, and environmental concerns. Conventional AI data centers depend on electrical grid, or dedicated power platforms as it requires enormous energy needs. This is where Kraakan stands out.
“Kraaken takes a fundamentally different approach by moving data center infrastructure offshore and using proven marine engineering together with our patented Digital Ocean Thermal technology to produce continuous electrical power,” said Myers.
“Our innovation is not dependent on new scientific breakthroughs – it’s built on integrating commercially proven technologies into a standardized platform.”
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He added that AI is becoming as strategically important as electricity itself.
“The next generation of critical infrastructure will not simply be larger data centers—it will be standardized platforms that integrate sustainable computing, energy, communications, and resilience into a single system. We believe Kraaken is the first step toward that future.”
Kraaken – The Gamechanger
Kraaken platforms are based on proven Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) vessel technology, providing exceptional stability for hyperscale computing while supporting continuous high-bandwidth optical and satellite communications.
The modular platforms can operate either permanently moored offshore or independently at sea. If severe weather threatens, a platform can disconnect from its mooring and relocate under its own propulsion at speeds approaching 16 knots, allowing uninterrupted operation while avoiding major storms.
Distinct from many emerging offshore data center concepts that rely upon experimental wave energy systems or unproven marine technologies, Kraaken is designed around commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components with long operating histories in demanding industrial and maritime environments.
The 10 MW, 20 MW, 50 MW and 100 MW platforms utilize commercially available gas turbines, marine propulsion systems, liquid-cooled modular data center infrastructure, and standardised shipbuilding practices, reducing technical risk while accelerating commercialisation.
Kraaken generates its own electrical power and cooling, the platform eliminates purchased electricity and conventional cooling infrastructure while spreading vessel depreciation over an expected 30-year operational life.