ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., a global container liner shipping company, has entered into a new long-term operational cooperation with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on the Asia - US East Coast and Asia - US Gulf trades. The new services are scheduled to be launched in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings, according to ZIM's release.
The proposed network under this cooperation agreement is designed to enable ZIM to provide its customers with extensive port coverage, further elevating ZIM's quality of service, as well as achieving significant operational efficiencies.
Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said: "This important collaboration reflects ZIM's commitment to both delivering an outstanding shipping solution to its customers, and taking continuous proactive steps to enhance efficiencies in our network. It is the direct outcome of our fleet renewal program which has greatly enhanced ZIM's competitive position, particularly on the Asia to US East Coast trade. We are pleased to, once again, join forces with MSC, an industry leader and ZIM's long-standing trusted partner, to augment our network while upholding our customer-centric approach and commitment to the highest levels of service. Consistent with ZIM's focus on decarbonization, this partnership will promote greater utilization of larger and more eco-friendly tonnage, including our LNG-powered vessels. I am proud that ZIM is the first carrier to introduce LNG capacity to the Asia to US East Coast trade and currently offers two services fully operated by these green vessels, giving us a unique competitive position in this strategic trade. As market conditions continue to evolve, we intend to remain agile and are well positioned to capitalize on additional attractive opportunities that will benefit ZIM both operationally and financially."
The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel sharing agreements. The cooperation scope includes six services with extensive connection between Asia to the US East Coast, West Coast of Mexico, Caribbean ports and US Gulf ports, as detailed in the proposed port rotations:
ZIM Seven Stars (Z7S): Singapore – Laem Chabang – Yantian – Cai Mep – Singapore – Suez Canal – New York – Baltimore – Norfolk – Suez Canal – Singapore
ZIM Xpress Baltimore (ZXB): Singapore – Cai Mep – Haiphong – Yantian – Panama Canal – Cartagena – Charleston – Savannah – Jacksonville – New York – Baltimore – Suez Canal – Singapore
ZIM North Star (ZNS): Pusan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Ningbo – Pusan – Panama Canal – New York – Norfolk – Baltimore – Panama Canal – Pusan
ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP): Nansha – Yantian – Xiamen – Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – Manzanillo, MX – Panama Canal – Kingston – Savannah – Charleston – Wilmington – Kingston – Panama Canal – Nansha
ZIM Gulf Central China Xpress (ZGC): Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – Panama Canal – Mobile – Houston – New Orleans – Miami – Freeport – Panama Canal – Rodman – Ningbo
ZIM South Lotus (ZSL): Cai Mep – Xiamen – Yantian – Pusan – Lazaro Cardenas – Panama Canal – Houston – Mobile – Tampa – Miami – Suez Canal – Cai Mep
ZIM will continue operating two independent services to the Pacific Southwest (PSW): ZEX and ZX2, offering extensive connection from Vietnam and China to the US West Coast.
ZIM E-Commerce Xpress (ZEX): Cai Map – Yantian – Los Angeles – Cai Mep
ZIM Central China Xpress (ZX2): Shanghai – Ningbo – Los Angeles – Shanghai
ZIM will also continue its existing agreement with MSC to the Pacific Northwest (PNW), under ZNP service:
ZIM North Pacific (ZNP): Yantian – Shanghai – Qingdao – Pusan – Vancouver –Yantian
Founded in Israel in 1945, ZIM is a leading global container liner shipping company with established operations in more than 90 countries serving approximately 33,000 customers in over 300 ports worldwide. ZIM leverages digital strategies and a commitment to ESG values to provide customers innovative seaborne transportation and logistics services and exceptional customer experience. ZIM's differentiated global-niche strategy, based on agile fleet management and deployment, covers major trade routes with a focus on select markets where the company holds competitive advantages.