The proposed Hapag-Lloyd/FIMI takeover of Israel’s ZIM has received a 30-day extension from the relevant authorities, ending 27 September, to allow for terms of the transaction to be amended. In particular, these are to address institutional concerns surrounding Israel’s maritime supply-chain independence and resilience, as protected through the Israeli government’s ‘golden share’ in the carrier.
The current ZIM operates around 115 ships, nearly all of which – and their services – would be taken on by Hapag-Lloyd. However, investor FIMI would own a slimmed down ‘ZIM’ providing a sovereign Israel maritime capability. Originally, a future sale of up to 24% of this entity would not require Israeli government approval. There will now be a proposal to lower that threshold to 10%. Alongside, FIMI will not publicly list this ‘ZIM’ outside of Israel.
Operationally, the FIMI-controlled ‘ZIM’ would operate a rump fleet of sixteen previously ZIM ships that would provide only a few services, these connecting with elsewhere in the east Mediterranean or United States. After concerns were raised by those scrutinising the deal, it is now proposed that this fleet – however large that may ultimately be – not only include vessels with high reefer intakes but also provide cover along the Far East route. Furthermore, the FIMI-controlled ‘ZIM’ will also have access to Hapag-Lloyd’s container equipment fleet.
Source: DynaLiners 37/26 – 11 September 2026