Israeli line ZIM has entered into a new long-term operational co-operation with Mediterranean Shipping Company to cover the Asia-US East Coast and the Asia-US Gulf trades.
The new services were scheduled to be launched in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings, an official release said.
The proposed network under the co-operation agreement was designed to enable ZIM to provide its customers with extensive port coverage, further elevating the integrated service provider’s quality of service, as well as achieving significant operational efficiencies, the release added.
ZIM president and CEO, Eli Glickman, said the collaboration reflected the company’s commitment to delivering a shipping solution to its customers and taking continuous steps to enhance efficiencies in the line’s network.
He said it had emerged as a direct outcome of ZIM’s fleet renewal programme, which had greatly enhanced the line’s competitive position, particularly on the Asia to the US East Coast trade.
Glickman said they were pleased to, once again, join forces with MSC, a long-standing partner of ZIM’s, to augment the line’s network.
The partnership is consistent with ZIM's focus on decarbonisation and will promote greater utilisation of larger and more eco-friendly tonnage, including the use of vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The official release said ZIM was the first carrier to introduce LNG capacity to the Asia-US East Coast trade and currently offered two services fully operated by these green vessels.
According to ZIM, it gives the line a unique competitive position in this strategic trade.
The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel-sharing agreements.
The co-operation scope included six services with connections between Asia and the US east coast, the west coast of Mexico, Caribbean ports and the US Gulf ports, the release added.
