At the heart of the ZEMBA initiative is the use of so-called e-fuels. These are synthetic fuels produced using electricity from renewable energy sources. The main focus is on e-methanol and e-ammonia. When these fuels are used instead of conventional heavy fuel oil, emissions can be reduced by up to around 91 to 95 percent. This marks a major step forward for an industry that has so far been heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

In ZEMBA’s second call for tenders, companies including Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Line were selected. They have committed to using these e-fuels in regular liner operations. This creates the first scalable offerings for more climate-friendly maritime transport, and sends a strong signal to shipping companies, port operators and cargo owners worldwide.

“Book & Claim”: Our Contribution to the Environment Even When the Ship Operates Differently

An innovative element of the ZEMBA approach is the so-called “book and claim” model. It allows cargo owners to book emission reductions in maritime transport without requiring their specific container route to be operated by a ship running on e-fuels. What matters is that the total volume of lower-emission fuel is actually used in the market and demonstrably reduces emissions

This approach makes it easier for companies to take their first steps towards lower-emission logistics. Emissions within the transport chain can be reduced even if not enough green-powered vessels are yet available on every route. At the same time, it creates a reliable economic incentive for shipping companies to operate more vessels using e-fuels.

Sport-Thieme Actively Participates

ZEMBA demonstrates how powerful collective action can be when many cargo owners join forces and jointly demand climate-friendly solutions. Sport-Thieme consciously supports this initiative. By contributing financially to ZEMBA, we actively support this international alliance of cargo owners working to strengthen the market for lower-emission ocean shipping.

With our contribution, we actively support the use of e-fuels such as e-methanol and e-ammonia in container shipping. This is how we help expand lower-emission shipping routes and achieve real emission reductions across global supply chains

In the long term, the transformation of maritime shipping will only succeed with clear political frameworks, reliable partners and determined pioneers. By participating in ZEMBA, we make one thing clear. Sport-Thieme takes responsibility beyond its own operations and helps move climate-friendly maritime transport from pilot projects into widespread practice.