DSV joins Google and Microsoft in ZEMBA, expanding efforts for zero-emission maritime solutions with over 50 influential members.
Global freight forwarding giant DSV has joined the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) alongside Google and Microsoft, marking a significant expansion of the coalition's membership and collective decarbonisation ambitions.
Founded in 2023, ZEMBA operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing zero-emission shipping solutions for enterprises across industries. The alliance now counts more than 50 members among its ranks, including Amazon, IKEA, Patagonia, Meta, Nike, Philips, and Flexport, positioning itself as one of the most influential demand-side coalitions in global maritime decarbonisation.
ZEMBA's operating model is built on a competitive forward procurement mechanism that aggregates freight buyers' demand and consolidates the purchase of emissions reduction attributes - commonly referred to as environmental attributes - associated with clean energy transportation. Project outcomes are accounted for through bilateral contracts, each requiring verified, real-world emissions reductions delivered through fuel and technology solutions that are scalable and cost-viable.
Prior to the launch of carrier tenders, ZEMBA members may pre-declare the freight volumes they intend to decarbonise. Upon acceptance of a winning bid, members retain the option to enter into bilateral contracts with the selected carrier. Once sustainable fuels or related technologies have been deployed and verified, members may then claim the corresponding emissions reductions. Supporting this process is a dedicated non-profit bookkeeping and claims registry, designed to ensure full transparency and data integrity across all reported outcomes.
ZEMBA has stated that as membership continues to grow, the alliance will be better positioned to instil confidence among investors, carriers, shipowners, and renewable energy producers committed to achieving the maritime industry's decarbonisation goals.
Of particular note, Hapag-Lloyd secured ZEMBA's inaugural tender award in 2024, leveraging waste-based liquefied biomethane to deliver a committed emissions reduction of more than 90 percent. Hapag-Lloyd Chief Executive Officer Rolf Habben Jansen commented: 'We are honoured that ZEMBA has selected us to deliver this important zero-emission shipping project and generate tangible emissions reductions for alliance members. Reaching our goal of net-zero vessel operations by 2045 requires partners like ZEMBA to support us on the decarbonisation journey. By providing this shipping service, we aim to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a greener future for global shipping.'
