Lloyd’s Register (LR), COSCO Shipping Group, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Southampton have launched the International Maritime Future Technologies Innovation Centre, a global virtual hub focused on zero-carbon and intelligent-ship technologies.
The centre will accelerate research and development in alternative fuels, smart navigation systems and digital tools that support decarbonisation. It aims to turn academic research into scalable solutions for deployment across global fleets, helping the industry transition to smarter, cleaner operations.
Led by COSCO Shipping Group, the initiative will use real operational data to test and validate technologies, ensuring they are viable in real-world conditions. A dedicated Technical Committee will guide the centre’s research strategy and ensure alignment with evolving commercial and regulatory needs.
This partnership builds on previous joint work between LR, COSCO’s Shanghai Shipping and Science Research Institute and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which developed a techno-economic model to assess decarbonisation pathways and costs for shipping fleets.
Nick Brown, LR’s CEO, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to turning ambition into practical action for the energy transition. Professor Fraser Sturt of the University of Southampton added that the centre represents a major opportunity to drive global collaboration and real industry impact in maritime decarbonisation.
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