ZIM’s new China – Australia service underway

PORTUGESE-flagged ship Northern Vivacity (IMO 9304966) is set to dock at Port Botany on 2 November, the first of ZIM’s new China - Australia Express (CAX) Line.

The ship has left Ningbo and has begun a round trip that will also take in Shanghai, Yantian, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

At Sydney it is to dock the Hutchison Port Botany.

The new service also marks a significant return to Australia for ZIM, an Israeli shipping company that has been largely absent from Australia for many years.

The transit time from South China to Sydney is said to be eleven days.

The CAX service is deploying six 2500 TEU vessels with capacity and plugs for refrigerated cargo.

ZIM president and chief executive Eli Glickman said they were “very pleased to start operating in the Australian trade in view of the high demand in the market”.

“I am sure this new service will provide a solution to customers’ growing needs in this trade,” Mr Glickman said recently.

“We see great opportunity in the Australian trade and believe our unique Z Factor and innovative yet personal approach will be appreciated and valued by customers in this market.”