Israeli container shipping company ZIM has signed agreements to build ten modern container ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The contracts are worth approximately $2.3 billion, with the ships scheduled for delivery in 2027-2028.
The ships will be built by the Chinese shipyard Zhoushan Changhong. Seven of the new ships will be chartered from Containers Ventures Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of TMS Group, and three from a shipping company linked to former majority shareholder Kenon Holdings.
The move complements ZIM’s previous investments, including the integration of 46 new ships ordered in 2021-2022. The new vessels will expand the company’s LNG fleet, which ZIM sees as a key strategic advantage amid growing demand for green shipping
“These contracts strengthen our core LNG fleet, providing access to flexible and in-demand vessels. Their versatile capacity is a perfect match for our global routes,” said ZIM President and CEO Eli Glickman
ZIM’s investment is in line with its environmental goals of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable shipping. The company is confident that the new vessels will not only strengthen its market position, but also ensure long-term profitability in an increasingly stringent environmental environment.
