The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) has launched a new tender aimed at accelerating the first commercial deployment of e-Fuels in the maritime sector, marking a significant step in emissions reduction efforts. The tender is now open for bids, with submissions due in spring 2025.
Tender Overview and Objectives
ZEMBA’s latest initiative seeks to aggregate approximately 86 billion tonne nautical miles of demand for emissions abatement through e-Fuel-powered shipping. This volume equates to transporting 1.5 million twenty-foot containers across the Pacific Ocean using e-fuels, benchmarked against the Shanghai-to-Los Angeles route.
Facilitated by the Aspen Institute, ZEMBA aims to enable its over 40 member companies to collectively abate approximately 500,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, subject to final commercial agreements.
“Getting e-fuel-powered shipping on the water for the first time through this collaborative forward procurement will be a huge technical and commercial innovation milestone for the sector. We look forward to receiving bids from container carriers ready to partner with ZEMBA and our freight buyer members to make maritime history,” said Ingrid Irigoyen, President and CEO of ZEMBA.
Bid Requirements and Selection Process
A qualifying bid must come from a containership carrier or consortium proposing e-fuel-powered shipping for a contract duration of 3 to 5 years, commencing around 2027. Bidders are required to demonstrate at least a 90% lifecycle emission reduction for the primary propulsion of the vessel(s) compared to conventional high-emission fuels.
Following a detailed vetting and negotiation process, ZEMBA will select the best proposals, with members entering into bilateral contracts with the winning bidder(s). The organization has indicated a willingness to award multiple contracts, with results expected to be announced by the end of 2025.
Pre-Qualification and Additional Resources
ZEMBA has introduced a pre-qualification process for potential bidders, inviting interested carriers to contact the organization at ZEMBA RFP Email to complete this step. Public materials have been made available on ZEMBA website to help carriers assess their eligibility. Additional materials will be provided to approved bidders.
Key partners in the development of these resources include the Center for Green Market Activation, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, and law firm Pillsbury, which provides legal and procurement expertise.
Building on Previous Success
ZEMBA’s focus on e-fuels for this tender builds upon lessons learned from its inaugural tender, completed in April 2024. That tender saw global carrier Hapag-Lloyd emerge as the winner, supporting ZEMBA members in collectively abating at least 82,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2025 and 2026.
By leveraging insights from its first tender and incorporating feedback from stakeholders, ZEMBA aims to further scale up the adoption of clean energy in maritime shipping.
About ZEMBA
The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) is a non-profit organization and the first-of-its-kind buyers group within the maritime sector. Its mission is to accelerate the commercial deployment of clean energy-powered shipping, enable economies of scale, and empower cargo owners to achieve greater sustainability impact than they could individually.
ZEMBA operates with support from the Aspen Institute’s Energy and Environment Program, which serves as its secretariat. Additional technical and legal backing is provided by key partners, including the Center for Green Market Activation, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, and Pillsbury.
With over 40 current members, ZEMBA continues to encourage new participants to join in amplifying the demand signal for scalable and sustainable shipping solutions through its tenders.