ZIM unveils major restructuring of its global liner services

Israeli containerline ZIM has unveiled a major restructuring of its global liner services effective from next April, reflecting its independent position outside of any container alliance. The move comes as efforts to sell the line go on behind the scenes.

“The restructuring is part of ZIM’s approach to focus on trades in which it has a strong position and competitive advantages, while utilizing its flexibility and creativity as an independent player to provide premium services and solutions to its customers,” the carrier said in a release.

Rafi Danieli, ZIM’s CEO, commented: “ZIM is offering a fresh and unique approach with many advantages to our customers. As independent and agile carrier, we have created a smart and efficient network offering stable and reliable services. ZIM is an important player in the trades it operates in; we maintain a flexible partnership approach with major carriers, and our new structure is a viable and beneficial alternative to the market.”

ZIM is introducing a new service between Asia and the Pacific North West. ZIM’s all-water service via the Panama Canal, the ZCP service, between Asia and the US East Coast will be upgraded. The all-water service via the Suez Canal, the premium Z7S – ZIM Seven Stars service, connecting South China, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and the US East Coast, will resume full activity after the winter program, in April 2017

Meanwhile, the current AME and EMX services connecting Asia and the Indian Subcontinent with the East Mediterranean and Black Sea, will be restructured to new services.

ZIM has recently enhanced its Atlantic network, adding a fourth string, with wider coverage including additional calls in Italy, France and Turkey.

In November the Wall Street Journal reported ZIM was looking at selling its global container network and switch to become a regional Mediterranean player. ZIM spokespeople have denied the sales rumours. “Citi are taking the prospectus to the big boys,” a source told Splash last month, confirming the news.

ZIM is the world’s 16th largest containerline according to Alphaliner with 306,329 slots. Its position as an independent carrier is down in no small part to the fact that as an Israeli line it is unable to call at most Arab ports.