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Zim to charter ten LNG dual-fuel container vessels from Seaspan
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The charter deal is valued at more than US$1 billion
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The 15,000-TEU box ships will be deployed on the Asia-US East Coast trade
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Delivery of the newbuilds is in the first half of 2023, with Seaspan and Zim entering 12-year charters
Israeli-based Zim Integrated Shipping Services has struck a deal with Seaspan Corporation, one of the world’s largest containership charterers, for the long-term charter of ten ultra-modern container vessels.
The 15,000-TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel vessels will be deployed to serve the Asia-US East Coast trade.
READ: Hapag-Lloyd secures green financing for six large box ships on order
Zim, which according to market intelligence provider PIERS has an estimated market share of 9% on this route, will use the newbuilds to both increase its capacity and market share.
Eli Glickman, ZIM president and CEO, said the deal is valued at more than US$1 billion and is a milestone agreement for the company.
The containerships are reportedly set for delivery in the first half of 2023, and upon completion, Seaspan will enter 12-year charters with Zim.
Glickman added that the agreement will enable the carrier to meet growing market demand on the Asia-US East Coast trade.
Moreover, investing in LNG-fueled “green” vessels “demonstrates our continued commitment and leadership in addressing environmental issues related to our industry, meeting customer demand to reduce CO2 emissions, helping to preserve clean air and reducing our carbon footprint,” he continued.
Bing Chen, chairman, president and CEO of Seaspan, said this transaction “signifies both Zim’s and Seaspan’s commitment to ESG principles, carbon reduction, and resolve to contribute to a greener business community in the future.”
Seaspan has commissioned Korean-based shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries to build these vessels.
Photo by Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA
