ZIM quits New Zealand for the third time

ISRAELI carrier ZIM and its Hong Kong subsidiary Gold Star Line will withdraw from the Tasman for the third time in two decades and shut down their New Zealand operation. 

In a customer advisory issued late on Friday John van Pelt, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services’ MD Australia, wrote: “After careful consideration we wish to inform you that due to turbulent market conditions we have taken the decision to suspend our liner shipping services to and from New Zealand.  

“As a consequence, ZIM's agency operations in New Zealand will also close. This decision has not been made lightly, and it reflects the significant changes in the Trans-Tasman market landscape that have made continued operations unsustainable at this time.” 

ZIM/GSL announced the cancellation of the three-ship N2A service on 22 August 2023, withdrawing the vessels Big Lily, Contship Dax and Contship Rex, the last two then acquired by Neptune Pacific Direct Line and now sailing as NPDL California and NPDL Tahiti. 

ZIM/GSL maintained trans-Tasman and NZ-Asia connections through a slot-charter deal with MSC on the Capricorn and Kiwi services, in conjunction with a new vessel-sharing agreement on the China-Australia Panda/ZAX service. 

However, when MSC abandoned Capricorn and Kiwi in a major service restructure effective end-August 2024, ZIM/GSL was again without Tasman/NZ capacity, until a deal was struck with ANL Container Line to take slots on the latter’s TranzTas and ANZ Shuttle services, referred to by ZIM/GSL as GTT and GNA respectively, from mid-late October. 

The deal was initially reported as covering 4Q2024 and 1Q2025 while ZIM/GSL plotted a return as vessel operators, but was extended. It is said to have represented c.500 TEU per week spread over the two services. 

Now the last GTT voyage will be CMA CGM Semarang voyage 31/E (2515) departing Sydney 27 July and Melbourne 30 July. The last GNA voyage will be ANL Kiwi Trader voyage 20/E (2529) departing Brisbane on 1 August.  

"There will be no impact to current New Zealand bookings made up to and including the above voyages. Our customer service team will be in contact with customers that have placed bookings after the above voyages to offer earlier alternate voyages,” the lines said.  

“It is important to note that there is no impact to our ZIM Australia Agency, where we continue to strive to deliver a premium product and excellent service.” Mr van Pelt said. “Our ZAX service continues to provide a weekly direct service between Australia, South Korea and China, then connect to our global network.  

“We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely thank you for your support and partnership. Our dedicated staff will ensure that all matters are handled in an orderly and professional manner. We will continue monitor market conditions in New Zealand for ZIM to return to New Zealand in the future.  

“Until then, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your trust and collaboration in the Trans-Tasman corridor.” 

In other news, the CMA CGM Group has acquired outright one of the chartered vessels employed in the ANLTranzTas service, the 2,180 TEU, 2015-built Orea from Eastern Mediterranean Maritime of Greece. The ship has been renamed ANL Rotorua.