In a landmark moment for the global maritime industry, the Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) and the Zero Emission Shipping Technology Association (ZESTAs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration in advancing zero-emission shipping technologies. The signing ceremony took place on onboard Yinson GreenTech’s Hydromover during the WATTS UP APAC conference, a premier event focused on maritime energy transition, held in Singapore on March 27, 2025.
Clean energy solutions in the maritime sector
The partnership between MBF, a leading organization promoting battery-powered maritime solutions, and ZESTAs, a global advocate for zero-emission shipping technologies, marks a significant step forward in the industry’s collective efforts to decarbonize and achieve sustainable shipping. The MoU outlines a framework for joint initiatives, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in the maritime sector.
Electrification as a means to decarbonization
Sharing a common interest in promoting electrification as a means to decarbonization in the maritime sector, this partnership will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation among their respective members and exchanging information for mutual benefit as well as establishing a framework for cooperation that promotes joint objectives, enhances member experiences, and advances the sustainable development of the port and maritime sectors.
Efficient shipping solutions
“This partnership with ZESTAs represents a powerful alignment of our missions to drive the maritime industry toward a sustainable future. By combining our expertise in battery technology with ZESTAs’ leadership in zero-emission advocacy, we can accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping solutions” says Syb Ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director, Maritime Battery Forum.
Related :Samskip Joins ZESTAs Collaboration for Absolute Zero Emissions
An absolute zero emissions vessel
“An absolute zero emissions vessel is an electric vessel. Batteries and energy storage systems are fundamental to achieving the International Maritime Organization’s GHG strategy. Formalising what has always been a positive relationship between our organisations will allow us to increase the breadth and speed of our combined impact.” added Madadh MacLaine, Secretary-General of ZESTAs.
About the WATTS UP APAC Conference
The WATTS UP APAC conference, held in Singapore, is a key platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in maritime energy transition. The event brings together stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to explore solutions for reducing the environmental impact of shipping.
About Maritime Battery Forum (MBF)
The Maritime Battery Forum is a global member organization promoting new and efficient energy storage technologies in the maritime industry. With over 90 members in 3 continents, the forum works to disseminate information, facilitate discussion about and review new technology which is complementary to battery technology-based solutions or in one way or the other play an important role towards a zero-emission vision. MBF works to accelerate the adoption of battery-powered solutions through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and advocacy.
About Zero Emission Shipping Technology Association (ZESTAs)
ZESTAs is an international trade association representing Absolute Zero Emissions energy sources and technologies to the maritime sector. Absolute Zero means no upstream GHGs, with the additional benefit of no pollution to our oceans and drastically reduced underwater radiated noise.
The association is driving systemic change by establishing Absolute Zero Emission Maritime Ecosystems on a global scale, bringing together stakeholders across the value chain via their ShipZERO programme of projects and workshops. ZESTAs holds provisional consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), influencing standards, regulations, and policy, as well as UNFCCC accreditation and membership in the Marrakesh Partnership.
