Japanese shipowner NYK Line is linking up with UK oil major BP to work on future fuels and decarbonisation solutions.
The memorandum of understanding covers collaboration on the transition from current marine fuels to alternatives such as LNG, biofuels and methanol, as well as developing ammonia and hydrogen.
"Getting this journey right will be critical to enabling the shipping industry to meet its long-term decarbonisation ambitions," the companies said.