ZIM is to charter 13 containerships under a new charter agreement with international dry cargo and container vessel operator Navios Maritime Partners LP.
The fleet will comprise five second-hand vessels and eight newbuild vessels for a total charter hire consideration of around $870 million.
Ranging from 3500 to 4360 TEUs, the five second-hand vessels are expected to be delivered in the first half of 2022 to be deployed across Zim’s global network.
The eight 5300 TEU wide-beam newbuilds are scheduled to be delivered during the third quarter of 2023 though the fourth quarter of 2024.
The newbuilds are expected to be deployed in trades between Asia and Africa.
The charter duration of the second-hand vessels will up to 4.5 years, while the charter duration of the newbuild vessels will be up to 5.3 years.
“With this latest chartering transaction, we continue to execute on our strategy of chartering-in highly versatile vessels to best serve our customers and meet significant and sustained demand across our global network,” Zim president and CEO Eli Glickman said.
He said the transaction will enhance the company’s position as a global-niche operator, contributing immediate tonnage in required sizes.
It is also expected to help secure additional high quality and cost-effective capacity to meet growing demand in the future.
“Looking ahead, we expect to continue to capitalise on opportunities to further strengthen our commercial prospects and support our operational agility, while maintaining our prudent capital allocation strategy to maximise shareholder value,” he said.
