Press Release

Berlin, 11 May 2022 – Flagship Founders is proud to announce its third start-up. zero44 helps shipping companies, ship managers and charterers monitor and control their fleets’ CO2 emissions to improve their carbon footprint and secure commercial success. Stringent new rules on emissions from 2023 will see carbon reduction become a key issue within the industry.

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Shipping is responsible for around three percent of global emissions. The goal is to reach carbon zero by 2050, but instead of decreasing, emissions are currently on the rise. Scientific research predicts emissions to be 20% above current levels by 2050 if no action is taken. Conversely, change cycles in the shipping industry take time, and ships with new technologies will only be rolled out gradually from around 2030. It will take decades to replace the world merchant fleet.

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However, shipping companies must address new legislation to cut emissions long before then. From 2023, the IMO is imposing stricter regulations that rate ships based on their CO2 emissions. Owners and operators of ships with poor ratings will be asked to produce concrete plans showing how they intend to reduce their carbon footprint.

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In addition, the EU plans to expand the European Emission Trading System (ETS) to the maritime industry. Like other sectors, vessels with a port of call in EU waters will be required to purchase carbon credits to offset emissions. Operating costs are set to rocket, averaging out at an extra one million euros annually per ship.

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More global regulations are expected. It’s a backdrop that demands fast, effective solutions for a sustained reduction in carbon emissions.

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Carbon strategies for the best possible business results

When it comes to cutting emissions, zero44 helps customers make the best possible choices for their business. It intervenes in CO2 management at an early stage, using customised digital solutions to provide shipping companies with comprehensive, daily carbon reporting and offering concrete advice on future strategies. The commercial impact of the customer’s decision-making is illustrated, plus how they can optimise processes as a result. A range of parameters and options are analysed, including the duration and route of future voyages – two factors that impact carbon emissions substantially. The ship’s existing IMO rating is also used for calculations. Some cases may show the most economic alternative is to pay a surcharge for higher CO2 emissions – another scenario zero44 considers as part of its recommendation process. The company provides a full and comprehensive solution allowing shipping companies to future-proof their businesses quickly and efficiently.

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“The shipping industry urgently needs solutions to become more sustainable – and not over the coming years or decades, but now,” explains Friederike Hesse, Managing Director and Co-Founder of zero44. “Climate change waits for no one. We need to find creative and long-term carbon reduction approaches we can rely on immediately, regardless of a ship’s classification, age or its technology. A lack of any comprehensive, satisfactory solutions is what prompted us to found zero44 in the first place. We want to help operators make these tough decisions and work with them to shape a more sustainable, resource-friendly global shipping industry. This is the only way to make the sector fit for the future.”

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Flagship Founders’ third start-up

Fabian Feldhaus, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Flagship Founders is delighted with the new start-up. “Shipping needs to be fast now and become sustainable. As Flagship Founders, we are determined to contribute to this and have had our eye on the issue from an early stage. Talks with a range of industry players and experts have only confirmed what we already knew. Over the next thirty years, the drive towards carbon zero will be one of the biggest challenges this global industry has ever faced. New rules will mean every shipping company must scrutinise how they manage emissions. We need to consider the commercial impact of future legislation and optimise planning processes accordingly. The potential in this area is huge, we were able to validate this in the run-up to the founding. Our expertise in building digital business models is the perfect fit, so the decision was made to build and spin off zero44.”

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At the helm of zero44 are Managing Directors and Co-Founders Friederike Hesse and Nils Obermann. In its current product development stage, the company is focussing on expanding their team and building customer relations. Software for the wider market is due to be launched later this year.

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About zero44

Founded in 2022, the Berlin-based company supports shipping companies, ship managers and charterers with the planning and optimisation of their carbon management. It provides answers to mounting legislation aimed at quickly and significantly reducing carbon emissions in shipping. A customised digital solution offers shipping companies a comprehensive, daily overview of their own carbon footprint. The data allows users to identify the commercial impact of cutting emissions so companies can optimise their processes. zero44 provides a wide-reaching digital solution enabling players in the shipping industry to future-proof their business swiftly and sustainably. Find out more at www.zero44.eu

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About Flagship Founders

Flagship Founders is the founding partner for start-ups focusing on maritime technology, logistics and shipping. The Berlin-based company was founded in May 2020 and builds together with ambitious founders scalable businesses with digital product solutions. The aim is to introduce pioneering technologies and innovation to shipping and help shape the industry’s future. To deliver successful results Flagship Founders provides ongoing support, from a successful creative process through company founding and financing right up to an exit. In addition to a wealth of expertise in the start-up and company building sector, the Flagship Founders team has access to a first-class network and specialist shipping knowledge. Find out more at www.flagshipfounders.de

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Press contact

Darja Köhne
d.koehne@flagshipfounders.de
+49 176 311 48 514