The Push for a Greener Maritime Industry
In a bold move to combat climate change, the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) has launched a groundbreaking tender process focused on e-fuels. This initiative has sparked a rallying cry from Ship It Zero, a climate and public health campaign urging retail giants like Amazon and IKEA to fast-track the adoption of zero-emission shipping technologies.
Jonathan Butler, Pacific Environment’s Climate Campaign Manager and a key figure in the Ship It Zero campaign, praised ZEMBA’s efforts, stating, “The emphasis on e-fuels and the corporate interest in bidding signals a seismic shift in the industry. This is a clear indication that zero-emission shipping is no longer a distant dream but an achievable reality.”
Butler also highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, referencing scientist James Hansen’s alarming prediction: “We’re on track to surpass 2°C of global warming, triggering irreversible tipping points—from collapsing ice sheets to devastating sea-level rise. The shipping industry must act now to avert catastrophe.”
Profits vs. Planet: The Shipping Industry’s Dilemma
Despite the dire warnings, the shipping industry has been raking in record profits. In 2024 alone, the sector reportedly earned $26.8 billion in just the third quarter. Butler argues that this financial windfall presents a golden opportunity for the industry to pivot toward sustainability.
“The money is there,” he emphasized. “The shipping industry has the resources to align with the U.N.’s climate goals, but it continues to prioritize profits over people and the planet. ZEMBA’s partnership with retail corporations could be the catalyst needed to drive real change.”
A Market Signal for Change
ZEMBA’s tender process aims to aggregate demand for e-fuel-powered shipping, targeting a staggering 86 billion tonne nautical miles of emissions abatement by 2027. This second tender is expected to help member companies reduce approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, with results anticipated by the end of 2025.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Butler concluded. “We’re calling on retailers and shipping companies to accelerate their timelines for adopting e-fuels. The communities on the frontlines of pollution deserve urgent action. The time to act is now.”
