Amazon, IKEA Form Zero Emissions Maritime Buyers Alliance To Go Green In Shipping

Amazon and IKEA, along with 30+ companies, are teaming up to revolutionize shipping through the Zero Emissions Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA). Their mission? To accelerate the shift to green fuels like e-methanol.

The alliance aims to help the maritime industry achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Shipping companies will soon be invited to bid on contracts for cargo transport using vessels powered by near-zero-emission e-fuels.

E-fuels, made from renewable electricity and CO₂, are key to decarbonizing shipping. Though currently scarce and expensive, ZEMBA’s collective buying power seeks to increase demand and drive down costs over time.

Amazon’s Carl Berger emphasizes that this initiative is crucial to hitting net-zero targets. Contracts will begin in 2027, covering 1.4 million 20-foot containers on routes like Shanghai to Los Angeles.

ZEMBA predicts this effort could slash greenhouse gas emissions by 470,000 metric tons. This monumental step signals a greener future for maritime shipping.

Shipping giants like Maersk, Evergreen, and Ocean Network Express have already invested in vessels compatible with e-methanol. While green fuels may cost more initially, the alliance expects prices to drop as production scales up.

ZEMBA’s CEO, Ingrid Irigoyen, is optimistic that upcoming global regulations will encourage zero-emission fuels. The International Maritime Organization is set to unveil new guidelines, including incentives for green shipping.

With shipping responsible for over 3% of global emissions and powering 80% of international trade, this bold move by ZEMBA marks a turning point toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.