Google has revealed its mysterious building project off the US coast to be the development of interactive learning centres.
Following weeks of speculation, the search engine giant confirmed its barges, docked in Portland, Maine and San Francisco, will be structures used to teach people about new technology.
A spokesperson for the company said: "Google Barge … A floating data centre? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above.
"Although it’s still early days and things may change, we’re exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology."
Rumours had abounded that the developments, particularly the barge docked at Treasure Island Marina in San Francisco, were to be wave-powered data centres, a technology for which Google has a patent.
Some publications and commenters also speculated that the structures would become floating showrooms for Google Glass.
The barges stand four storeys high and are made of modern cargo containers, and US government inspectors had signed confidentiality agreements about the Treasure Island building.
Google would need permission to operate the learning centre from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
