Israeli container carrier ZIM announced the successful naming ceremonies of three new vessels that have joined its fleet.
These ceremonies, held in South Korea and China, signify a significant milestone in ZIM’s commitment to sustainability and mark the completion of a significant phase in its fleet modernization efforts.
The naming ceremony for ZIM Mount Elbrus and ZIM Mount Vinson, the final two vessels in a series of ten advanced LNG vessels with a capacity of 15,000 TEUs each, took place at the SHI Geoje shipyard in South Korea.
These vessels, equipped with cutting-edge LNG technology, were named following tradition by their respective godmothers, Hani Kalinsky, ZIM’s EVP of the Pacific Business Unit, and Joey Chow, senior strategic accounts manager at ZIM.
Furthermore, these new vessels are slated to join ZIM’s flagship service, the ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP), which connects Asia with the East Coast of the US. With the addition of these two vessels, the ZCP service will be exclusively operated by LNG-powered vessels, marking a pioneering initiative as ZIM vessels become the first LNG vessels to call ports on the East Coast of the USA.
“The completion of the series of ten 15,000 TEUs LNG vessels represents a significant milestone in our journey towards zero emissions, with the cleanest technology available on a large scale today. ZIM’s investment in LNG-powered vessels underscores its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a cleaner, more sustainable future for global shipping. Approximately one-third of our operational capacity will be powered by LNG once all 28 LNG green vessels join our fleet. ZIM is poised to solidify its position as an industry leader in sustainable shipping practices,” stated Eli Glickman, ZIM President and CEO.
Additionally, ZIM PEARL, the fifth vessel in a series of fifteen advanced LNG vessels with a capacity of 7,700 TEUs each, was named at the Jiangsu Yangzijiang shipyard in China. The vessel was christened by Winnie Wing Han NG, the spouse of Bing Chen, president and CEO of Seaspan.
Glickman further added, “Moreover, the introduction of these modern, efficient vessels
underscores their essential contribution to ZIM’s operational performance. As the company navigates through a dynamic and fast-changing business landscape, the renovated fleet of cutting-edge vessels plays a pivotal role in ensuring resilience and adaptability, steering towards a brighter and more sustainable future.”
