Nordic companies form zero-emissions shipping initiative

Six Nordic companies have responded to the UN’s call to develop greater sustainability models in shipping by creating an initiative called Zero Emission Energy Distribution at Sea (ZEEDS). As ZEEDS, the collective will develop a new infrastructure for green fuels for ships. The collaboration is spearheaded by Wärtsilä and includes Aker Solutions, a global engineering company; Equinor, a multinational energy company; DFDS, an international shipping and logistics company; Grieg Star, an international ship owning and operating company; and Kvaerner, an engineering, procurement and construction company. Together, the companies aim to help reduce the one billion tonnes of CO2 gas emissions produced annually by the global shipping industry. “The ZEEDS partners recognize that the transition to clean fuels will require a collective effort,” said Cato Espero, sales director, marine division, Nordics and Baltics, Wärtsilä. “We believe that by addressing the supply, storage and distribution chain, we can accelerate the switch to cleaner shipping fuels.” Through ZEEDS the partners are exploring potential solutions and engaging relevant authorities and potential new partners to ensure further development of concepts and ideas. “In order to develop a sustainable solution, we as a society have to work together,” added Espero. “We also need the support from authorities and are calling for them to implement incentives that will enable us to find the fastest route to zero-emission shipping.”