The founding members of the Global Alliance for Maritime Electrification (GAME) – the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA), Zero Emission Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs), Maritime Battery Forum (MBF), and the European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA) – together represent over 250 member organisations worldwide. Their mission: to cut through fragmented regulations and underfunded infrastructure by coordinating strategy and amplifying efforts to decarbonise the sector, starting with inland and near-coastal vessels.
“Most of the world’s vessels operate close to shore and are technically well-suited for electrification,” explained Adria Jover, President of IEMA. “GAME is about aligning our efforts so we don’t duplicate work and can more effectively support industry through this major transition.”
Although much of the global emissions conversation centres around large ocean-going container ships, GAME’s strategy deliberately shifts focus to the workhorses of marine transport — ferries, passenger vessels, tugs, pilot boats, and service craft. These smaller vessels make up the bulk of global fleets and, crucially, are already being targeted by governments for early decarbonisation efforts, especially where local air pollution is an issue.
As New Zealand pushes ahead with decarbonisation across sectors, the formation of GAME is timely. The coalition aims to unlock investment confidence by advocating for harmonised global policy, improved infrastructure funding, and shared technology roadmaps. As seen in Wellington’s electrified harbour ferries and pilot projects across the Pacific, electrification isn’t hypothetical — it’s happening now.
“Electrification is no longer just a future vision – it’s an actionable reality,” said Roland Teixeira, President of EOPSA. “Onshore power supply is one of the most immediate tools in the decarbonisation toolbox. Ports need to be ready, and vessels must be able to plug in.”
GAME has outlined three core pillars for its work:
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Industry Representation: Presenting a unified message at major maritime forums to engage stakeholders and reinforce the credibility of electric vessel solutions.
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R&D Collaboration: Developing technical standards, scouting funding opportunities, and coordinating innovation across member networks to reduce silos and accelerate deployment.
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Policy Advocacy: Working with the IMO, ISO, and national governments to drive standardisation and reduce policy fragmentation, which remains one of the biggest blockers to progress.
Syb ten Cate Hoedemaker of the Maritime Battery Forum emphasised that batteries will be at the heart of maritime electrification – but not in isolation.
“Batteries are a core technology, but they must be integrated with other clean systems. GAME ensures we think holistically and act collectively.”
ZESTAs Secretary-General Madadh MacLaine put it bluntly:
“There’s no room for risk. Electrification means zero greenhouse gases, zero pollution, and zero harm to the planet.”
Initial efforts from the alliance will focus on high-priority regions, including North America, Europe, India, China, and the South Pacific. Co-authored position papers, region-specific engagement, and technical workshops are expected in the coming months.
For countries like New Zealand, where the marine environment is both an economic driver and cultural treasure, GAME’s formation offers an encouraging signal. Coordinated international momentum may be what’s needed to help accelerate uptake of electric vessels in our own coastal waters.
As GAME’s tagline implies, this is about more than technology — it’s about courage, collaboration, and commitment.
