MSC and Hapag-Lloyd Compete for Israeli Carrier Zim
17.12.2025
Two global shipping majors, MSC and Hapag-Lloyd, are competing for the potential acquisition of Israeli container carrier Zim. The possible transaction is complicated by regulatory, corporate and political factors in Israel, according to Trasporto Europa.
Zim’s board of directors has rejected an initial buyout proposal from an internal investor group and appointed investment bank Evercore to run a structured sale process and evaluate incoming bids. Company management stated that it will not comment on the process until it is completed or a concrete agreement is reached.
According to Israeli sources, MSC is considered the leading candidate. Key factors cited include the company’s private ownership structure, the absence of external shareholders, existing operational cooperation with Zim, and MSC’s strong financial position, which would allow it to execute a transaction of this scale.
Interest from Hapag-Lloyd, however, has sparked debate in Israel, where Zim is viewed as a strategic national asset. Concerns stem from Hapag-Lloyd’s shareholder structure, which includes Middle Eastern sovereign investors. This has prompted opposition from Zim’s workforce, who have publicly raised objections based on the presence of these investors.
A central element in any potential deal is the Israeli government’s “golden share,” introduced during Zim’s privatization in 2004. It grants the state veto rights over any sale exceeding 24% of the company’s shares and imposes additional requirements on corporate governance and fleet availability in emergency situations.
At the same time, Zim is facing internal corporate tensions. A group of shareholders holding around 8% of the company has proposed changes to the board of directors. As a result, the annual shareholders’ meeting has been postponed to 26 December 2025, adding another layer of uncertainty at a time when the future of one of the global container shipping market’s notable players is being decided.
Global Container Index: +7%
10.12.2025
The global index for container shipping rose by 7%, reaching $1,927 per 40-foot container.
According to market analysts:
- after three consecutive weeks of decline — during which spot rates hit their lowest level since January 2025 — the market finally turned upward;
- several carriers shifted away from the traditional biweekly adjustments and adopted weekly GRI increases;
- instead of announcing large single hikes that quickly erode, carriers now apply smaller, incremental increases to maintain upward pressure on spot rates.
Drewry notes that this strategy has been effective so far, and rates are expected to remain stable over the coming week.
The Suez Canal Factor.
The ongoing uncertainty around Suez continues to increase volatility on Asia–Europe trades.
A full restoration of transit flows would add significant capacity back into the market and apply downward pressure on rates — though the effect is likely to be gradual, considering possible port congestion.
SCFI Down: –5.5 Points.
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) fell by 5.5 points, reaching 1397.
Key drivers behind the decline:
- the index reflects only China’s export market;
- demand has softened after the autumn peak;
- carriers are not withdrawing capacity, which leads to stagnating rates on the China–Europe and China–US routes and pushes the index lower.
Batu Ampar North Pier Moves to a Unified Operator Model
01.12.2025
Starting December 1, all operations at the North Pier of Batu Ampar Port (Batam, Indonesia) will be consolidated under a single operator. Management will be assumed by Batu Ampar Container Terminal (an ICTSI subsidiary) in partnership with Interport Mandiri Utama, with the involvement of Batam Terminal Petikemas, granting the group full port-operator rights and responsibilities.
According to ICTSI, unifying the operational structure will raise service standards, improve efficiency, and strengthen Batu Ampar Port’s position as a regional logistics hub. The North Pier is equipped with modern infrastructure, offering an annual capacity of 900,000 TEU, a 1,032-meter quay, 5 quay cranes, 12 RTGs, and 10 electric terminal tractors, with the fleet expected to expand to 25 units soon.
ICTSI notes that the transition to a single-operator model will help shorten vessel turnaround times and enhance overall service reliability.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is a global port operator founded in 1988 in the Philippines. It is controlled by Filipino businessman Enrique K. Razon Jr. through the Razon Group.
Capital Clean Energy Carriers Continues Full Exit from the Container Shipping Market
24.11.2025
Capital Clean Energy Carriers (CCEC), listed on Nasdaq and controlled by Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis, has taken another major step in its strategic withdrawal from the container shipping sector. The company has agreed to sell Buenaventura Express — one of its two remaining container vessels (13,312 TEU, built 2023). The handover to the new owner is expected in Q1 2026.
The deal will generate approximately $4.4 million in accounting profit, with proceeds used to repay around $84.4 million in debt and support general corporate needs. The sale is fully aligned with CCEC’s long-term strategy to focus on LNG and next-generation energy carriers, leaving the container segment behind.
Since February 2024, CCEC has sold or contracted the sale of 14 container ships, generating roughly $814.3 million in total proceeds.
Once Buenaventura Express leaves the fleet, CCEC will retain just one neo-Panamax containership, operating under a long-term charter through 2033 with an option to extend to 2039.
Today the company operates a fleet of 14 vessels, including:
- 12 modern LNG carriers
- 2 container vessels (one already sold and awaiting delivery)
- Its orderbook includes 16 new LNG and gas carriers scheduled for delivery in 2026–2027.
About CCEC:
Capital Clean Energy Carriers was established as a dedicated energy-focused subsidiary of the Marinakis shipping group. The company has been rapidly transforming into a pure-play LNG and clean gas carrier operator, completing its gradual exit from container shipping.
Suez Canal Makes a Comeback: Shipping Giants Return After Two Years
06.11.2025
The Suez Canal is officially making waves again
After months of decline due to regional tensions, October marked the best month in two years for vessel transits through the canal. The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) reported a 10% rise in total tonnage between July and October, with more than 4,400 ships passing through — including 229 returning vessels last month alone.
To keep the momentum going, SCA Chairman Admiral Ossama Rabiee met with representatives from 20 major shipping companies to discuss the latest developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. His message? “We’re open — and ready to welcome you back.”
Among the highlights:
- CMA CGM has begun trial voyages with 17,000+ TEU ships and plans to increase traffic through the canal.
- MSC expects a swift return of southbound vessels soon.
- Evergreen and COSCO both confirmed readiness to resume full operations once conditions stabilize.
However, as Inchcape Shipping Agency noted, high marine insurance costs remain a key obstacle delaying some carriers’ return.
Still, optimism is rising — and the Suez Canal appears ready to reclaim its role as a vital artery for global trade.