New for ZIM

One of a new series of ships for ZIM made its presence known in Halifax today. ZIM Eagle is apparently owned by the Greek company Navios and is on long term charter to ZIM. Why it has adopted a "bird" theme name when ONE has also chosen birds, is a mystery. Could Navios not have found a more original scheme? (I had suggestions ready but never got the call.)

The ship was delivered in January of this year by Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard Co and measures 49,877 gt, 62,857 dwt with a capacity of 5315 TEU. It is on the ZCA (ZIM Container Atlantic) service en route from Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain to the US east coast and return.

Navios, now with 180 ships of various types, has announced some other names in the series. The first ship was ZIM Sparrow, this ship is second, and the next is to be ZIM Hawk. So far I don't know if any others will be assigned to the ZCA.

The ZIM Eagle arrived at PSA Fairview Cove early this morning and sailed at dusk, so a close examination was not possible. however it appeared to be sailing on a very light draft despite a substantial deck load.  

As usual a significant number of visible containers were Hapag-Lloyd and UASC, which may augur well for ZCA when Hapag-Lloyd pulls out of THE Alliance next year. H-L's long standing slot arrangement with ZIM may benefit from additional cargo from the Med. 

[Due to the sensitivity of issues relating to the situation in Israel, I am being vague about ports and call dates.The ship left China late in January and presumably reached Ashdod via the Cape of Good Hope.]

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