ISRAELI shipping line Zim is re-routing vessels in response to threats in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
In a statement on 27 November the company said it would continue calling East Mediterranean and Israeli ports, but warned new measures could impact transit times.
“Operations to and from these ports will be maintained with the highest regard for safety protocols which are essential to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders,” the company said.
“In light of the threat to safe transit of global trade in the Arabian and Red Seas, Zim is taking temporary proactive measures to ensure the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo by re-routing some of its vessels.
“As a result of these measures, longer transit times in the relevant Zim services are anticipated, though every effort is being made to minimise disruptions.
“Zim is closely monitoring the situation to address potential risks and ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of its operations.”
In a separate customer advisory concerning the ZIM Mediterranean Premium (ZMP) service, Zim said it anticipated longer transit times and deviation from original service routes.
The current ZMP route is Pusan – Qingdao – Ningbo – Shanghai – Da Chan Bay – Port Klang – Suez Canal – Haifa – Ashdod – Mersin – Yarimca, Izmit – Istanbul Ambarli – Suez Canal – Port Klang – Da Chan Bay – Xiamen – Pusan.
There are 17 vessels on the ZMP service.
Zim’s announcement follows other diversions in the Red Sea around the time Houthis hijacked the cargo ship Galaxy Leader.
Another ship has been attacked since then; on 26 November an armed group boarded the tanker Central Park in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel was reported safe shortly after the incident.
And closer to home, protesters have attempted to “block” the arrival of Zim vessels in Australian ports.
A Zim spokesperson told DCN early last week that despite protest activity, its China Australia Express (CAX) service was continuing without disruption.
