Amazon among cargo shippers pushing to buy zero-emissions sailings in advance

Headlining the as yet incorporated non-profit are major names in cargo shipping and corporate environmentalism including US-based online shopping behemoth Amazon and outdoor clothing brand Patagonia along with diversified coffee and food distributor Tchibo, based in Germany.

As with the coZEV initiative, the Aspen Institute has played a role in bringing about the newly formed organisation that is calling itself the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA).

"Through ZEMBA, freight buyers will accelerate the commercial deployment of zero-emissions shipping, enable economies of scale, and help minimise maritime emissions. By working together, ZEMBA members will offer committed demand to build confidence among investors, carriers, shipowners and producers of zero-emissions fuels and renewable energy," the Aspen Institute said.

More specifically, ZEMBA said it will issue a requst for proposals (RfP) in 2023 to "forward procure" sailings that can achieve zero "or near-zero" emissions based on a lifecycle analysis for all greenhouse gases, including, but not limited to carbon dioxide. The group said it expects the services to start in 2025 or 2026.

"Shipping lines, in partnership with their fuel suppliers, are encouraged to prepare to participate in the RfP and seize the opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the maritime shipping industry. As ZEMBA membership grows in the coming years, ZEMBA plans to run similar tenders with larger volumes of demand until zero-emissions shipping becomes mainstream in the industry," the Aspen Institute statement said.

The organisation also said its intention to provide committed demand for new fuels and technologies in clean shipping could help to create "new and sustainable economic models in renewable energy, zero-emissions fuel production, infrastructure and clean maritime services".