ZIM has added a further US$1.5 billion in charters with Seaspan Corp for 10 LNG-fuelled, 7000 TEU containership newbuildings.

In a statement, the Israeli shipping line said the newbuildings order by  tonnage provider Seaspan for long term charter to ZIM are expected to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2023 through 2024.

ZIM noted that the charter deals were worth over US$1.5 billion and the ships would be deployed on niche-routes which it operates.

"With this second long-term chartering agreement, we are securing access to our core fleet, while maintaining operational agility with respect to the total number of vessels we operate," said Eli Glickman, ZIM President and CEO.

"Since going public, and further evidenced by this transaction, we remain committed to deploying capital prudently and enhancing shareholder value," he added. 

The announced contracts add to a growing containership orderbook, which has reportedly mounted from 8% of the existing fleet to more than 20% in just the previous eight months.