COSCO and Partners Launch Maritime Innovation Centre

The world’s largest shipowner has joined forces with two leading universities and UK classification society Lloyd’s Register to launch the International Maritime Future Technologies Innovation Centre.

China’s COSCO is spearheading the initiative alongside Lloyd’s Register, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Southampton, both renowned institutions in maritime education and research.

The new virtual centre is dedicated to advancing low- and zero-carbon technologies, intelligent ship systems, and digital innovation for the maritime sector. It aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs by developing and testing practical solutions for global shipping fleets.

Leveraging COSCO’s vast operational data and network, the centre will validate emerging technologies and explore scalable pathways toward real-world decarbonisation.

A Technical Committee has been established by the founding partners to guide research priorities, maintain innovation momentum, and ensure alignment with the industry’s evolving technical standards and regulatory requirements.

Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, said: “This partnership is about turning ambition into action. Together with our partners, we are investing in the ideas, data and technologies that will help the maritime industry meet the challenges of the energy transition head-on and drive change that benefits both business and society.”