Some of the most influential players in global shipping have committed to accelerate the development of zero-carbon emission ships as pressure mounts on business to act faster to limit climate change.

A new industry-wide group aimed at building zero-carbon ships by 2030 was unveiled on Monday as Maersk chief operating officer Soren Toft and Antwerp Port chief executive Jacques Vandermeiren addressed heads of state at the United Nations' climate change summit in New York.