Google, Microsoft and DSV join ZEMBA initiative

Global technology companies Microsoft and Google, and logistics firm DSV have joined the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) as they seek to reduce their Scope 3 supply chain emissions.

IMAGE: Container vessel Afif at the Burchardkai Container Terminal in the Port of Hamburg. Hapag-Lloyd

ZEMBA pools demand from cargo owners and runs tenders for shipping services that use low- and zero-emission bunker fuels to reduce emissions.

Hapag-Lloyd used liquefied biomethane under ZEMBA’s inaugural tender to offer emission reductions. The container liner also won ZEMBA’s subsequent e-fuel tender for 2027, alongside North Sea Container Line (NCL) in December 2025.

Under the arrangement, Hapag-Lloyd plans to use e-methanol on one of its transoceanic trade lanes and NCL will use green ammonia on a northern European route.

The two shipping companies are expected to collectively cut around 120,000 mt of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over a three-year period beginning in 2027 through the use of these fuels.

ZEMBA members will pay a premium for the resulting GHG emissions reductions, which will be allocated to participating cargo owners through a book-and-claim mechanism.

The tender reflects growing demand from cargo owners to directly support the use of scalable zero- and near-zero-emission hydrogen-based fuels in container shipping, ZEMBA said in December.

“No one can drive the needed industry transition alone,” Christina Foss, senior director at DSV said, adding that joining ZEMBA will allow the company to work with other members to accelerate the shift towards lower-emission ocean freight.

By Konica Bhatt

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