The international container shipping sector is watching developments around a reported acquisition offer for Israel-based Zim Integrated Shipping Services. According to the report, Hapag-Lloyd has made an initial approach, with negotiations yet to begin. Other companies have also expressed interest, including MSC and Maersk, following internal moves at ZIM after CEO Eli Glickman submitted his own offer together with Rami Ungar. ZIM, which has a market value of about US$2.4 billion, declined to comment.
Market share data shows Hapag-Lloyd holds 7.4 per cent of the global container market, ranking fifth, while ZIM holds 2.5 per cent and ranks ninth. MSC controls 20.2 per cent and Maersk 14.3 per cent. The interest comes after Kenon Holdings, controlled by Idan Ofer, sold its stake in ZIM.
The ZIM workers committee opposes a potential Hapag-Lloyd acquisition. "An acquisition of ZIM by Hapag-Lloyd, which is controlled by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, represents a direct danger to the security of the country," said committee chairperson Oren Ksafim. He added that "In the Sword of Iron war, when Maersk, MSC, and all the foreign shipping companies abandoned Israel, only ZIM continued to bring food, medicines, and ammunition. ZIM saved the country."
According to the workers' statement, 98 per cent of Israel's trade is seaborne, and a sale to foreign ownership could affect supply routes during conflict. They called on the government to use its golden share to block any deal.
Financial data published by The Wall Street Journal described ZIM's share price as high, closing at US$19.87, with analysts estimating a value closer to US$14.30. Of seven analysts covering the stock, one rates it as "Buy", three as "Hold", and three as "Sell", though sentiment is less negative compared with three months earlier.
For greenhouse growers and exporters reliant on maritime logistics, any structural shift involving large carriers may influence freight availability, port rotations, and long-term service reliability on trade lanes linked to fresh produce flows.
Source: Globes
