ZIM extends relationship with MSC and Maersk to the US west coast and the Mediterranean

ZIM has further cosied up to the world’s top two liners, Maersk and MSC, in what its CEO described today as a game-changing agreement for the Israeli containerline.

ZIM was throughout its history a standalone carrier, reluctant to join alliances until last year when it partnered with Maersk and MSC, who make up the 2M vessel sharing agreement, on the Asia-US east coast tradelane.

Today, ZIM, Maersk and MSC have revealed they are seeking to extend this partnership to cover select 2M services also on the Asia – US West Coast and Asia – Mediterranean trade lanes.

Between Asia and the US West Coast, the TP9 service will be operated as a vessel sharing string where ZIM will operate four vessels and 2M will operate three vessels. Part of the ZIM slots on the TP9 will be swapped for access to slots on the fully 2M operated TP8 service. There will be no schedule changes to the TP8 and TP9 services.

Between Asia and the Mediterranean, ZIM will get access to 2M slots on the AE12 and AE15 services.

The service changes are expected to begin in March 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

To supplement and complement its services in the East Mediterranean, ZIM will introduce a new array of ZIM-operated feeder lines synchronised with the mainliners and catering to the regional market. A full, detailed announcement regarding the new regional network will be issued soon.

ZIM’s president and CEO Eli Glickman commented: “The agreement is a game-changer, and I am confident it will support ZIM’s growth and profitability.”