ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) said it has entered into a new long-term operational cooperation with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) on the Asia - US East Coast and Asia - US Gulf trades.

The new services are scheduled to be launched in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings. 

ZIM said the proposed network under this cooperation agreement is designed to enable ZIM to provide its customers with extensive port coverage, further elevating ZIM's quality of service, as well as achieving significant operational efficiencies.  

"This important collaboration reflects ZIM's commitment to both delivering an outstanding shipping solution to its customers and taking continuous proactive steps to enhance efficiencies in our network. It is the direct outcome of our fleet renewal program which has greatly enhanced ZIM's competitive position, particularly on the Asia to US East Coast trade," said Eli Glickman, ZIM president & CEO.

"We are pleased to, once again, join forces with MSC, an industry leader and ZIM's long-standing trusted partner, to augment our network while upholding our customer-centric approach and commitment to the highest levels of service," he added.

Glickman noted that in line with ZIM's focus on decarbonization, this partnership will promote greater utilization of larger and more eco-friendly tonnage, including our LNG-powered vessels.

"I am proud that ZIM is the first carrier to introduce LNG capacity to Asia to US East Coast trade and currently offers two services fully operated by these green vessels, giving us a unique competitive position in this strategic trade," he said.

ZIM and MSC agreement

The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel-sharing agreements.

ZIM said the cooperation scope includes six services with extensive connections between Asia to the US East Coast, West Coast of Mexico, Caribbean ports and US Gulf ports.

The proposed port rotations for the ZIM Seven Stars (Z7S) trade are Singapore –Laem Chabang – Yantian – Cai Mep – Singapore – Suez Canal – New York – Baltimore – Norfolk – Suez Canal – Singapore.

The ZIM Xpress Baltimore (ZXB) will follow Singapore – Cai Mep – Haiphong – Yantian – Panama Canal – Cartagena – Charleston – Savannah – Jacksonville – New York – Baltimore – Suez Canal – Singapore.

The other port rotations include:

ZIM North Star (ZNS): Pusan – Qingdao – Shanghai – Ningbo – Pusan – Panama Canal – New York – Norfolk – Baltimore – Panama Canal – Pusan.

ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP): Nansha – Yantian – Xiamen – Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – Manzanillo, MX – Panama Canal – Kingston – Savannah – Charleston – Wilmington – Kingston – Panama Canal – Nansha.

ZIM Gulf Central China Xpress (ZGC): Ningbo – Shanghai – Pusan – Panama Canal – Mobile – Houston – New Orleans – Miami – Freeport – Panama Canal – Rodman – Ningbo. 

ZIM South Lotus (ZSL): Cai Mep – Xiamen – Yantian – Pusan – Lazaro Cardenas – Panama Canal – Houston – Mobile – Tampa – Miami – Suez Canal – Cai Mep.

Meanwhile, ZIM said it will continue operating two independent services to the Pacific Southwest (PSW), ZEX and ZX2, offering connection from Vietnam and China to the US West Coast. 

The ZIM E-Commerce Xpress (ZEX) will follow the Cai Map – Yantian – Los Angeles – Cai Mep port rotation.

ZIM Central China Xpress (ZX2) will follow the Shanghai – Ningbo – Los Angeles – Shanghai route.

ZIM said it will also continue its existing agreement with MSC to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) under ZNP service with the Yantian – Shanghai – Qingdao – Pusan – Vancouver –Yantian port rotation.