Image: Madadh MacLaine, the Secretary-General of ZESTA
Three prominent shipowners have embraced the formidable challenge of achieving absolute zero emissions. The gauntlet was thrown by the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTA), a global industry entity championing technologies and fuel providers firmly committed to the absolute zero emissions cause.
Wah Kwong, a Hong Kong-based tanker and bulker enterprise, Veer Voyage, a Bahamas-headquartered containerline, and North Star Shipping, a distinguished OSV operator, have emerged as the trailblazers ready to tackle this audacious endeavor. This revelation, marks a pivotal juncture in maritime sustainability efforts.
While several shipping entities have made impressive strides towards carbon neutrality, with Berge Bulk’s ambitious 2025 target and Maersk’s 2040 net zero goal, the concept of striving for absolute zero emissions by 2043 represents an extraordinary leap forward.
Madadh MacLaine, the Secretary-General of ZESTA, urged others to join the cause, stating, “We’re calling on others who have the will, the commitment, the strength, and the courage to do what needs to be done to join us.”
The three visionary shipowners will unveil the challenges they face in realizing their green aspirations at ShipZERO28, a prominent event slated for London International Shipping Week next month.
MacLaine highlighted the distinction of the absolute zero approach, emphasizing, “The holes in net zero are big enough to sail the world fleet through.” Unlike net zero, which permits residual carbon/GHG emissions with offsetting mechanisms like carbon capture, absolute zero emissions leave no room for such allowances.
Hing Chao, Executive Chairman of Wah Kwong, emphasized the role of the shipping industry in the global decarbonization dialogue, underlining the need to align with nature after centuries of industrialization. Danielle Southcott, Founder of Veer Voyage, asserted that as the climate crisis escalates, embracing absolute zero becomes imperative.
The maritime community is now witnessing a pivotal shift, where shipowners are not merely content with incremental steps, but are boldly steering towards the horizon of absolute zero emissions, heralding a new era of sustainability in the industry.
