Dimitris-Y

The 'Zim Europe' has turned back and was heading around Afric following three attacks on vessels linked to Israel, rather than transiting the Suez Canal and passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen. The 'Zim Europe', en route from Boston to Port Klang, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean on Nov 24, 2023. It continued due east until it was between Oran, Algeria, and Cartagena, Spain, then did an about-face in the afternoon of Nov 25. It headed back out to the Atlantic and down the west coast of Africa. As of Nov 27, it had passed Casablanca, Morocco, and was headed south at 16 knots. The voyage from the Strait of Gibraltar to Port Klang via the Cape of Good Hope is 56% longer than via the Suez Canal. “In light of the threat to safe transit of global trade in the Arabian and Red Seas, Zim is taking temporary proactive measures to ensure the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo by rerouting some of its vessels. As a result of these measures, longer transit times in the relevant Zim services are anticipated, though every effort is being made to minimize disruptions,” the company confirmed on Nov 27. Social media and the Arab press have featured numerous false reports of Houthi attacks on Zim vessels over recent days. “We have seen several fake reports on social media. All Zim vessels are safe and accounted for. The Israeli liner operator has three services that transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait: ZIM India Israel (ZII), ZIM India Turkiye (ZIT) and ZIM Mediterranean Premium Service (ZMP). The ZII service uses space aboard vessels of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The ZIT service also uses space aboard MSC vessels, plus one CMA CGM ship. The ZMP service is more problematic from a security perspective, as it uses multiple vessels with the word “ZIM” painted on the hull, including the 'Zim Europe'. The ZMP service also uses chartered vessels that are not as easily identifiable as Zim tonnage.

London-based containership owner Global Ship Lease has signed new charter with Zim for 2000-built 5,936 teu containership Dimitris Y . The new charter is for a period of 21 to 24 months, and scheduled to commence in June in direct continuation of current charters.