Google, Microsoft and DSV join ZEMBA initiative

Technology giants Microsoft, Google, and logistics company DSV have entered the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) to cut Scope 3 emissions stemming from their supply chains. The alliance seeks to reduce emissions by bidding for shipping services that utilize low- or zero-emission bunker fuels. Hapag-Lloyd, a shipping line, successfully used liquefied biomethane in ZEMBA's first tender, and secured another tender in December 2025 alongside North Sea Container Line (NCL) for e-fuels in 2027.

Hapag-Lloyd aims to employ e-methanol on one transoceanic route, while NCL will utilize green ammonia on a European trade lane. Collectively, these two shipping companies anticipate reducing around 120,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over a three-year period starting in 2027. ZEMBA members will pay a higher price for the resulting emissions reductions, which will be distributed to participating cargo owners through a book-and-claim system.

ZEMBA's December announcement highlighted the increasing interest from cargo owners in supporting the adoption of scalable zero- and near-zero-emission hydrogen-based fuels in container shipping. Christina Foss, a senior director at DSV, emphasized that joining the alliance will enable the company to collaborate with other members and expedite the transition to lower-emission ocean freight.