German emissions management software provider Zero44 and sustainable biofuel supplier Frontier Fuels have announced a strategic partnership aimed at assisting maritime stakeholders in decreasing emissions and achieving compliance with the latest regulations.
According to Zero44, following the introduction of CII and EU ETS regulations in 2023 and 2024, FuelEU Maritime adds another layer of compliance requirements for the industry, and planning ahead becomes even more important. Shipping companies need to take a strategic approach to emissions management, considering options such as pooling, banking, borrowing, or paying penalties.
Johann Maack, MD Frontier Fuels, said: “For many, biofuels have become the most cost-effective solution. Biofuels are gaining popularity in the maritime industry and are no longer viewed as just a short-term fix. Availability is improving, and regulatory frameworks like FuelEU Maritime are driving faster adoption.”
Despite the growing interest in biofuels, many shipping companies struggle to integrate them into their bunkering strategies. Concerns about fuel availability, technical compatibility with existing engines, and determining the optimal volume and blend for compliance remain significant challenges. The partnership between Zero44 and Frontier Fuels directly addresses these issues by streamlining biofuel adoption and offering practical guidance for compliance.
Zero44’s software is intended to empower shipowners, managers, and charterers to proactively manage compliance with various emissions regulations. The platform allows users to generate emissions estimates for entire reporting years, specific periods, or individual voyages. By training vessel-specific data models, the software predicts future emissions, or users can input their own projected fuel consumption figures. To further enhance its capabilities, Zero44 has introduced an advanced biofuel recommendation model.
Friederike Hesse, MD and co-founder of Zero44, said: “Our software delivers precise recommendations on the exact biofuel volumes required to reduce emissions and avoid FuelEU Maritime penalties. By incorporating vessel-specific parameters, operational profiles, EU exposure, and fuel mixes, we move beyond generic guidelines and provide actionable, data-driven insights.”
With the integration of Frontier Fuels into Zero44’s planning module, users can now assess the benefits of incorporating Frontier Fuels’ B100 biofuel ‘Bloom E’ into their operations. Developed specifically for marine applications, Bloom E is said to offer a well-to-wake GHG Intensity of just 4g CO2E/MJ, believed to be significantly lower than conventional biofuels, which often have emission factors four to five times higher. Despite this environmental performance, Bloom E remains competitively priced. Frontier Fuels provides flexibility with preferred blends, stem sizes, and delivery ports, ensuring a seamless fit into existing bunkering operations.
Hesse added: “We find it important that our customers have access to the best options out there. We offer them an easy way to compare different strategies and pick the compliance strategy that best suits their operations and business models.” In line with Zero44’s key principles, customers retain the flexibility to add their own fuel providers and use specific biofuels and prices for cost comparisons.
The partnership is considered an important step in simplifying biofuel adoption for shipping companies navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. By combining Zero44’s advanced compliance tools with Frontier Fuels’ cost-effective biofuel offerings, the two companies believe they are making it easier for maritime stakeholders to integrate sustainable fuels into their operations. As regulations continue to evolve, this collaboration can ensure that shipping companies have the necessary insights and resources to stay competitive.
Image: Zero44 MD Friederike Hesse (source: Zero44)
