Tev Aviv: Zim has announced that it has taken delivery of the first in its series of 12 'Mega Vessels' built by Hyundai SAMHO Shipyards in South Korea, strengthening the strategic partnership with the Grand Alliance. The 8,400teu Zim Los Angeles is the first mega vessel owned by the company and will be followed by the delivery in two weeks time of Zim Djibouti. The 10,000teu containership will subsequently become Zim's largest vessel, twice the size of Zims current flag ship.
Idan Ofer, chairman of ZIM, said: "The world economy is changing, in particular the shipping market, and when the economic crisis is over we must be ready with the appropriate fleet to meet the world demand."
ZIM's ceo, Rafi Danieli, said: "The new mega vessels are a major step forward for the company's fleet. They are significantly larger than the other ships we own and, as they can carry more containers, they are considerably more efficient. The delivery of the new vessels will lay the foundation to positioning ZIM as a leading company in the years to come."
The Zim Los Angeles and Zim Djibouti will both serve in partnership with the Grand Alliance serving the Pacific Northwest Service (PNX) loop from East Asia to West Coast US and Canada, providing an efficient and cost effective service for ZIM's customers.
Rafi Danieli added: "We have a strong partnership with the Grand Alliance. The introduction of the two new vessels will be the eighth cooperation agreement we have with the Alliance. This partnership with the Grand Alliance was enabled based on the company's new building plan, and is an important strategic milestone in the company's stabilization and recovery plan." [13/07/09]
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