Israeli line adds support to DP World bid

ALAN PEAT
IN THE international political stakes surrounding the R41.48-billion takeover of the UK’s port and ferry operator, P&O Ports, by the Dubai-based DP World, the Israeli shipping line Zim Integrated Shipping Services says it supports the bid, even though the Dubai government endorses a trade boycott of Israel. There has been strong objection to the takeover by US politicians because the combined unit would be heavily involved in five US ports – and this creates the security concern of Middle Eastern ownership. The Associated Press (AP), for example, reported that several US senators raised the boycott issue during a senate commerce committee hearing on the deal. But Zim has sent a letter to US senators, in which company chairman, Idan Ofer, has declared that it does business with DP World and supports the deal. He told CNN that: “As an Israeli company, security is of the utmost importance to us and we require rigorous security measures from terminal operators in every country in which we operate, but especially in Arab countries. “And we are very comfortable calling at DP World’s Dubai ports.” DPW senior vice-president, Michael Moore, said: “Our company has long-standing business relationships - with Israeli companies among our diverse international clients. “DPW does not discriminate and has not been charged with violating any anti-boycott statutes.”