ContainersMiddle East

ZIM signs up with MSC and Maersk

ZIM, the Israeli boxline that has thus far avoided container alliances, has teamed up with 2M founding partners Maersk and MSC on voyages from Asia to the US East Coast.

At present, MSC and Maersk Line operate five loops on the Asia-USEC trade, while ZIM operates two loops on the trade. As of early September 2018 when this new strategic cooperation deal comes into place, Maersk Line and MSC will contribute four of their operated loops to a combined operation of five loops with ZIM between Asia and USEC. ZIM will operate one loop.

“The cooperation with the 2M Alliance creates a major upgrade of ZIM’s Pacific services,” ZIM said in a release today.

Eli Glickman, president and CEO of ZIM, said: “It is a vote of confidence by the two largest players in the industry, acknowledging ZIM’s capabilities, reliability and strength. Furthermore, it will enable ZIM to achieve operational efficiencies and ensure our ability to maintain a leading position on the trade. We will continue to be independent, building on our personal links with our customers, for which we are so well known in addition to our ongoing technological initiatives such as our successful blockchain project.”

Diego Aponte, president and CEO of MSC, commented: “MSC is pleased to welcome ZIM into this strategic cooperation. The new arrangements will help ensure a high level of service for shippers on all routes between Asia and the US East Coast.”

For its part Maersk Line noted in a release that the new cooperation will generate cost efficiencies and provide new opportunities for customers who get access to an improved product on the Asia – USEC trade, including a new direct product from the US East Coast into Thailand.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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