ZIM Feeder

 ZIM Integrated Shipping Services operates numerous routes world wide, with a system of feeders interlocking at major ports. Two of ZIM's services overlap in Halifax. There is the ZCA (ZIM Container Atlantic) service from Mediterranean ports to the North American east coast which is considered a "main line" and the CFX (Canada Feeder Express), which as the name implies is a feeder. The CFX calls in New York, Kingston, Jamaica and Miami, FL

The CFX route normally operates weekly with three ships, but today, May 14 an "extra" ship arrived from New York for a one time call. The Seamaster is typical of the size and type that ZIM employs on this route. The other ships currenely on the route, Pacific Trader, Contship Leo and Contship Art are also charters, and do not carry ZIM names or colours.

Built in 2013  by SPP Shipbuilding Co in Sacheon, South Korea, the Seamaster is a 20,239 gt, 24,129 dwt ship fitted with three 40 tonne SWL cranes. It has a capacity of 1756 TEU including 350 reefer plugs.

Notable about today's arrival was its relatively light draft and the large number of reefer boxes on deck. My assumption is that most of those reefers are empty, and are being positioned here for produce exports.

ZIM's schedule indicates that the ship will be heading for Kingston, but then shifting to the VEL Venezuela Line service to South American ports. It is therefore unlikely to be seen in Halifax again.

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