The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), an alliance that includes leading retailers like Amazon and IKEA, has opened bidding for its e-fuel tender, aimed at facilitating the first commercial use of e-fuels in maritime operations.
Submissions for the tender will be accepted until spring 2025, with the initiative set to help over 40 member companies reduce around 500,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Jonathan Butler, Climate Campaign Manager for Corporate at Pacific Environment and primary representative of the Ship It Zero campaign, said the persistent focus on e-fuels and the engagement from bidding corporations are promising signs that the industry is prepared to commit to zero-emission shipping solutions.
Mentioning the scientist James Hansen, Butler added that the likelihood of surpassing a 2 degrees Celsius increase in global temperatures, warning of potentially imminent and severe tipping points due to heightened climate sensitivity.
He also mentioned that, in 2024, the shipping industry saw a notable profit increase, with earnings estimated at $26.8 billion in just the third quarter. Despite this financial success, the industry’s priority remains its profits, often at the expense of both people and the planet, rather than aligning with the UN’s climate objectives.
