ZIM Integrated Shipping (ZIM) has announced a new charter transaction with a group of investors to which the shipping line will charter a total of up to six 5,500 TEU wide beam newbuild vessels for a period of seven years and total charter hire consideration of approximately up to US$600 million.

In a statement, ZIM said the vessels will be constructed at Korean-based shipyard, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (formerly known as Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co.), and are scheduled to be delivered between May 2023 and February 2024. 

"We are pleased to announce another attractive chartering transaction for newbuild vessels, securing modern and efficient tonnage vessels which are ideally suited to serve on our expanded network of expedited services, as well as other regional services," said Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO.

"We continue to advance our strategy of chartering in highly versatile vessels to strengthen our commercial prospects, maintain our flexibility, and enhance our position as an innovative provider of seaborne transportation."