ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has entered into a strategic agreement with Seaspan Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Corp, for the long-term charter of ten 15 000-TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container vessels, to serve ZIM's Asia-US East Coast trade.
“The value of the agreement is in excess of $12bn and enables us to achieve two important strategic objectives,” said Zim president and CEO Eli Glickman. “First, these top-of-the-line advanced vessels will allow us to meet growing market demand on the Asia-US East Coast trade. Second, in line with our core sustainability values, investing in LNG-fuelled "green" vessels, it demonstrates our continued commitment to addressing environmental issues related to our industry.”
Korean-based Samsung Heavy Industries has been commissioned by Seaspan to build the vessels. It is one of the world's largest shipyards and one of the leaders in high-tech shipbuilding, with vast experience in LNG-fuelled vessels.
Vessel delivery to ZIM is expected between February 2023 and January 2024.
Seaspan is an independent owner and operator of containerships and charters its vessels. Atlas is a global asset management company.
