What's Happening?
The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), comprising major brands like Amazon, Patagonia, and IKEA, has awarded its second tender for low-emission container shipping to Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Lines (NCL). This initiative aims to drive the use of alternative low-emission fuels by aggregating demand from shippers. The tender focuses on e-fuels, specifically e-methanol and e-ammonia, with Hapag-Lloyd deploying e-methanol on large containerships for trans-oceanic routes, while NCL will use the ammonia-powered vessel Yara Eyde for northern European trade lanes. The project commits to 20 billion tonne nautical miles of transport activity over three years starting in 2027, with some members extending to five-year commitments.
The initiative is expected to abate approximately 120,000 metric tonnes of GHG emissions starting in 2027.
Why It's Important?
This tender represents a significant step towards decarbonizing the shipping industry, which is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. By committing to the use of e-fuels, ZEMBA and its member brands are supporting the development and deployment of scalable, low-carbon hydrogen-derived fuels. This initiative not only helps reduce emissions but also encourages the shipping industry to adopt more sustainable practices. The involvement of major brands highlights the growing demand for environmentally friendly shipping solutions and sets a precedent for other industries to follow. The success of this project could accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels in maritime transport, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
What's Next?
As the project progresses, Hapag-Lloyd and NCL will focus on implementing the use of e-fuels in their operations, with Hapag-Lloyd planning to use five large containerships to fulfill its commitment. The construction of NCL's ammonia-powered vessel, Yara Eyde, is underway, with plans to operate it on a trade corridor between Norway and Germany. ZEMBA continues to encourage additional freight buyers to join the initiative, aiming to create a critical mass of volume to support the adoption of alternative fuels. The success of this tender could lead to further investments in e-fuel infrastructure and technology, paving the way for broader industry adoption.
