Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs)

What Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) does

Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) is an international, membership-based non-profit industry association founded in 2019 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Its stated purpose is to promote the rapid and large-scale uptake of Zero Emissions Ship Technology (ZEST), defined as zero greenhouse gas emissions at point of use on a vessel, combining batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and wind propulsion technologies. The organization serves a cross-value-chain ecosystem spanning technology providers (e.g., NEDSTACK, PowerCell, Genevos, Hexagon Purus Maritime, Artemis Technologies), vessel operators and shipowners (e.g., Samskip, DRIFT Energy, Future Proof Shipping, ACUA Ocean), ports (Port of Rotterdam Authority), classification societies (Bureau Veritas, RINA), industrial gas majors (Air Products, Air Liquide), classification and academic knowledge partners (Université de Strathclyde, Orkney College), and policy/regulatory actors including direct engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

ZESTAs generates revenue through membership subscriptions across five tiers: Full, Associate, Affiliate, Supporter, and Knowledge Partner. Its core deliverables include the ShipZERO Workshop Series (ShipZERO26 through ShipZERO30), the AZ De-emission Tool for vessel emissions pathway assessment, and policy submissions to the IMO. In May 2026 it launched the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance (GLHA), an international platform co-founded by Secretary General Madadh MacLaine and Hybart CEO Bart Biebuyck, focused on advancing liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a zero-emission maritime fuel. The organization operates with a lean team (1–10 employees), relying on community-led GTM and direct member recruitment, and reports operating geographies spanning the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, China, South Korea, the United States, the UAE, and Tanzania.

Name

Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs)

Legal name

Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association

Website

https://zestas.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ZESTAs is an international non-profit industry association promoting zero-emission ship technology (batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, wind propulsion) across a cross-value-chain ecosystem of shipowners, technology providers, ports, classification societies, and regulators including the IMO.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Industry Association / Shipping Decarbonization

akta.pro primary industry

GHG Accounting & Net-Zero/Decarbonization Planning (Scopes 1–3) (EUAHAJAC)

Keywords

• Maritime decarbonization
• Zero-emission shipping
• Hydrogen propulsion
• Wind-assisted propulsion
• Marine battery systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Newyork

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Association generates revenue through membership subscriptions from full members, associate members, affiliate members, supporters, and knowledge partners across the zero-emission maritime ecosystem

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ZESTAs is a membership-based international industry association that promotes rapid and large-scale uptake of Zero Emissions Ship Technology (ZEST) — combining marine batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and wind propulsion — to achieve zero GHG emissions at point of use on commercial vessels. It operates the ShipZERO Workshop Series, the AZ De-emission Tool, and the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance (GLHA) platform, and convenes technology providers, shipowners, ports, classification societies, and policymakers around maritime decarbonization.

Product overview

ZESTAs is a membership-based industry association (not a product company) that promotes rapid and large-scale uptake of Zero Emissions Ship Technology (ZEST). The organization facilitates collaboration among technology providers, vessel operators, ports, energy providers, classification societies, safety experts, and policymakers through programs including the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance, the ShipZERO Workshop Series, and the AZ De-emission Tool. ZESTAs connects its member ecosystem to advance zero-emission shipping technologies including batteries, hydrogen, fuel cells, and wind propulsion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance (GLHA) International platform dedicated to advancing pure green hydrogen and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a deployable, scalable, and commercially viable zero-emission fuel for international maritime shipping. Operates around four priorities: building a global evidence base for LH2, positioning LH2 as a primary energy carrier, accelerating market creation and international alignment, and turning policy momentum into deployment.
• ShipZERO Workshop Series Series of workshops and webinar events organized by ZESTAs focusing on zero-emission ship technology, including ShipZERO30 (LISW25), ShipZERO28.5 (SMW), ShipZERO28, ShipZERO28 Outcomes, ShipZERO26.5, and ShipZERO26. These events produce outcomes reports, policy briefs, and presentations documenting progress in maritime decarbonization for the shipping industry and policy community.
• AZ De-emission Tool Tool developed by ZESTAs to assist in assessing and de-emission strategies for vessels, part of the organization's suite of technologies and policy resources for promoting zero-emission ship technology adoption across the maritime industry.
• ZESTAs Membership Program Tiered membership program (Full, Associate, Affiliate, Supporter, Knowledge Partner) providing access to ZESTAs' ecosystem, ShipZERO workshops, AZ De-emission Tool, IMO policy engagement, and the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance for maritime industry participants pursuing zero-emission shipping adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• The liquid hydrogen market is valued at $9 billion today, projected to reach $19 billion by 2032 and exceed $54 billion from 2037 onward
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Global Liquid Hydrogen AllianceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 May 2026ZESTAs-launched international platform dedicated to advancing pure green hydrogen and liquid hydrogen as zero-emission maritime fuel, with founding members across LH2 value chain including Hybart and Dhamma Sea
• NEDSTACKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuel cell technology provider participating in ZESTAs ecosystem for zero-emission maritime solutions
• PowerCell GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial fuel cell solutions provider offering megawatt-scale fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime routes
• E-Cap Marine GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHamburg-based developer of hydrogen, battery, and hybrid propulsion systems enabling emission-free marine operations. Delivers H2 PowerPac for offshore service vessel Coastal Liberty
• Hybart (Bart Biebuyck)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic advisory platform led by former Clean Hydrogen Partnership head, co-founder of Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance with EUR 1 billion EU fund experience
• ARGO ANLEG GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWesel, Germany-based manufacturer of hydrogen storage and distribution systems with 25+ years hydrogen experience across 60+ mobile projects, specializing in maritime applications
• UnitrovecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based provider of zero-emission bunkering infrastructure supporting liquid hydrogen, compressed gaseous hydrogen, ammonia, and other zero-emission fuels
• Marine ZerocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based pioneer in decarbonization and alternative fuels, specializing in zero-emission vessel design and marine charging solutions for short-sea and inland waterways
• ECONOWINDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands-based provider of VentiFoils wind propulsion units reducing motor power up to 750kW for sea-going ships
• Gen2 EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian project developer producing and distributing green liquid hydrogen at industrial scale for maritime decarbonization
• DealfengcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChina-based manufacturer of Flettner Rotor wind-assisted propulsion systems certified by LR, NK, CCS achieving 10-30% annual fuel savings
• DRIFT EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based company harvesting ocean wind energy into green hydrogen using AI-routed autonomous sailing vessels, with 30+ vessel orderbook and first ship launch planned for 2027
• GenevoscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench specialist in hydrogen fuel cell systems integration offering stackable Hydrogen Power Modules (HPM) certified for marine commercial operation with AiP
• Hexagon Purus MaritimecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway-based provider of complete hydrogen fuel systems for vessels with Type 4 high-pressure cylinders, involved in ZeroCoaster study and Hvide Sande Shipyard training ship
• VINSSENcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepublic of Korea-based maritime technology company developing PEM fuel cells (100kW, 200kW) and battery-based propulsion systems for clean power and propulsion
• ZULU AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy providing vessel design, system integration, and regulatory compliance support for zero-emission vessels
• Dhamma SeacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember developing hydrogen-powered boats through Dhamma Blue, combining fuel cell technology with electric propulsion, recognized with Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025 Jury's Coup de Coeur Award
• WindTracXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwitzerland-based developer of autonomous rigid-wing Aero Kite-Drone wind-assisted propulsion system (25kW to 1MW configurations) operating at 300m altitude for bulk carriers and tankers
• ACUA OceancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based developer of zero-carbon hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vessels (USV) achieving up to 99.1% CO2 reduction with 60-day offshore endurance
• Blue TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDanish company developing wind and solar-powered cargo vessels including pure car carrier (8-10,000 cars) and container carrier (5,000 TEU) designs using multihull configuration
• HYTRAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai-based hydrogen infrastructure company developing patented liquid hydrogen tankers (60,000 m3 capacity) and large-scale LH2 storage systems (500-20,000 m3)
• Artemis TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based developer of patented Artemis eFoiler system powering 100% electric foiling vessels including EF-12 Workboat (world's first commercially coded) and EF-24 Passenger ferry
• FIFI4MarinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands-based specialist in lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing systems protecting vessels including Yara Birkeland (6.8MWh batteries) and Feadship Project 824
• Veer GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFemale-founded shipping startup with Design N1 absolute-zero-emission container vessel recognized by ABS and EMSA, seeking investment and long-term charters
• LH2 ShippingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorway-based company developing maritime transport solutions powered by liquid hydrogen including bulk carriers and short-sea ships with experience from M/F Hydra project
• Absolut HydrogencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench industrial engineering SME (Grenoble) offering LIQHYD liquefiers (11kg to 1T/day), zero boil-off storage, and LH2 filling systems for maritime applications
• Grafmarine (MarineSolar Energy Solutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based clean energy company with NanoDeck modular photovoltaic platform reducing vessel fuel consumption by up to 10%, available via purchase, lease, or Power-as-a-Service
• Rux EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based technology company developing advanced solid-state hydrogen storage systems enabling lower pressure storage with increased density for maritime infrastructure
• MJR Power and AutomationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based engineering company providing electrical power, propulsion, and automation solutions including e-Ginny project (3MWh battery capacity) for offshore charging
• Tidal TransitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based low-carbon offshore access specialists pioneering electric crew transfer vessels including e-Ginny (3MWh battery, 100% electric) for offshore wind
• Sustainable ShipscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime consultancy platform providing decarbonization services, decarbonization roadmaps starting at EUR 299, and freemium tools for CII compliance
• Ocean Assets InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit initiative advancing sustainable investment across ocean economy, operating BlueDeals investment facilitation platform connecting maritime projects with capital
• ZEMTechcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based project management company dedicated to port facilities and shipping decarbonization with over century of combined maritime offshore design experience
• Zero Emission Services (ZES)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands-based company founded by ING, ENGIE, Wartsila, and Port of Rotterdam offering ZESpacks interchangeable battery containers for inland shipping
• Water Stuff & SuncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermany-based deep-tech startup with H2-Battery solution combining hydrogen storage and fuel carrier for diesel-competitive maritime applications
• Future Proof ShippingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands-based company retrofitting inland diesel vessels to zero-emission with ambition for 10-vessel fleet under long-term charter contracts
• HYEX SafetycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert advisory on hydrogen and gas safety using CFD and quick engineering models, supporting permitting and classification society approvals
• Air ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal industrial gases company (85+ years, $12B revenue) building largest liquid hydrogen facility in Europe at Rotterdam Port (65% complete, 2027), operating in 50 countries
• Air LiquidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate member - global leader in industrial gases supporting hydrogen infrastructure development
• Bureau VeritascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate member - classification society providing certification and risk management services
• SamskipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate member - European logistics company with 1500 employees in 30+ countries, offering multimodal sustainable transport including hydrogen solutions
• Port of Rotterdam AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEurope's largest port supporting liquid hydrogen infrastructure development including Air Products liquefier
• Université de StrathclydecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge partner - academic institution contributing research expertise
• Orkney CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge partner - academic institution supporting maritime research

Scale indicators32 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Getting to Zero Coalition: Multi-stakeholder coalition hosted by the Global Maritime Forum with an identical mission: accelerating commercially viable deep-sea zero-emission shipping through 2030. Operates as an ecosystem platform connecting shipping, energy, infrastructure, and finance — a direct mission and operating model analog to ZESTAs.
• Global Maritime Forum: International non-profit driving maritime decarbonization through stakeholder convening, policy work, and projects like the Getting to Zero Coalition. Closest analog to ZESTAs in scope and operating model, only larger and broader in mandate (encompasses ZESTAs-style work alongside wider maritime sustainability topics).
• Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping: Denmark-based, industry-funded research center advancing zero-carbon shipping through R&D, industry partnerships, and policy engagement. Operates as an applied knowledge and convening body with deep shipowner backing — a comparable role in the maritime decarbonization ecosystem.
• International Windship Association (IWSA): Trade association specifically promoting wind propulsion and wind-assist technologies as part of the maritime decarbonization stack. Directly overlaps ZESTAs' wind propulsion advocacy and ecosystem-coordination activities for a defined technology vertical.

Emerging players

• Clean Shipping Coalition: Environmental NGO coalition focused on reducing shipping emissions through policy advocacy at the IMO. Comparable to ZESTAs in that it pursues decarbonization via IMO regulatory engagement, but with a narrower environmental-advocacy lens rather than cross-stack ecosystem coordination.
• Clean Hydrogen Partnership: EU public-private partnership funding hydrogen R&D, with leadership (Bart Biebuyck) directly connected to ZESTAs via GLHA. Overlaps in hydrogen ecosystem orchestration across maritime, industrial, and mobility applications — adjacent rather than directly competing.

Broad incumbents

• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS): Principal international trade association representing the global shipping industry, with direct IMO standing and broad shipowner mandates. A much larger incumbent that influences shipping policy at the same venues ZESTAs targets, but with a broader agenda across all shipping regulation.
• BIMCO: World's largest international shipping association with global membership across shipowners, operators, and charterers. Engages IMO on emissions and decarbonization alongside its broader regulatory mandate, making it a higher-resource incumbent in overlapping policy domains.
• World Shipping Council: Trade association for the liner shipping industry with formal IMO observer status and active decarbonization policy work. Represents a similar industry-association operating model in the same regulatory venues, though focused on liner carriers rather than zero-emission technology adoption.

Regional players

• European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA): Brussels-based confederation representing European shipowners and maritime industry associations, engaging EU and IMO on shipping policy. Operates a comparable association model focused on European maritime interests, overlapping with ZESTAs on regulatory engagement for zero-emission technology adoption.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zero-emissions-ship-technology-association

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs)