UK classification society Lloyd's Register (LR) has teamed up with two Asian partners to develop what it claims will be a "world-first" autonomous navigation systems for ships.

It will work with Singapore IT player ST Engineering Electronics (STEE) and trader Mitsui & Co on the project.

The agreement forms part of the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA)-funded "World’s Largest Ocean-Going Autonomous Vessel Programme", launched on Wednesday.