ZIM to enhance Atlantic network

New structure adds a fourth string, improved port coverage and fast transit time

​ZIM has announced a significant upgrading of its Atlantic network, offering improved connections between US, Canada and the Mediterranean, starting April 2017, subject to FMC approval.

ZIM Container Service Italy (ZCI) – a new premium string, offering improved service to the Italian and French markets, connecting with Canada and the US East Coast, with faster transit time, additional ports of call in Italy and a direct call in Fos, France. This service will operate five vessels on the following rotation: Salerno – Livorno – La Spezia – Genoa – Fos Sur Mer – Halifax- New York – Norfolk – Savannah – Salerno

ZIM’s flagship service, ZIM Container Service Atlantic (ZCA), operating seven vessels, will focus on the East Med and Spain, with a new call in Algeciras, serving the South Spain market and adding new direct calls in two major Turkish ports – Izmir and Mersin. ZCA upgraded rotation: Ashdod – Haifa – Izmir – Piraeus – Barcelona – Tarragona – Valencia – Algeciras – Halifax – New York – Norfolk – Savannah – Valencia – Tarragona – Mersin – Ashdod. 

The two current well-established dedicated services, MGX and MPS, will continue to operate as follows:

Mediterranean Gulf Express (MGX) providing a fast, direct service between Mexico, US Gulf and the Mediterranean, with connections to the Caribbean and Central America: Cagliari – Livorno – Genoa – Barcelona – Valencia – Port Everglades – Kingston – Veracruz – Altamira – Houston – New Orleans – Tangier – Cagliari

Mediterranean Pacific Service (MPS) – a direct service between US West Coast and the Mediterranean:  Cagliari – Livorno – Genoa – Fos Sur Mer – Barcelona – Valencia – Tangier – Los Angeles – Oakland – Caucedo – Lisbon – Valencia – Cagliari. 

The improved structure is part of ZIM’s strategy, offering stable and reliable services to customers, while maintaining a flexible partnership policy with major carriers. 

Rani Ben Yehuda, VP Cross Suez and Atlantic Business Unit, said: “We are very pleased to launch our upgraded Atlantic services, an improved product with wider port coverage and better service levels to customers.”