Israel’s Zim warns of ‘longer transit times’ due to threats in Arabian, Red Seas

The container liner company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has had to deal with multiple operational disruptions since Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel.

It has also had to implement an Israel war risk premium surcharge to customers, following a massive increase in insurance premium for ships trading to the country’s ports.

The company reported that it will pass on the new charge “at cost”. Additional fees range from $50 per teu to $100 per teu, depending on the service.

Its latest challenge: managing the risk of an attack by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea.

Last week the pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) “Galaxy Leader” was hijacked by the Houthis near Yemen in the southern Red Sea, raising fears that regional tensions heightened over the Israel-Hamas war were playing out on a new maritime front.

The latest attack was against the product tanker Central Park by “armed individuals” in the Gulf of Aden. The attack was revealed by the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which said that a vessel was boarded by unauthorised persons 53 nautical miles south-west of Aden, in Yemen.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks in Middle Eastern waters since a war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out.

To manage the risk, Zim announced Monday that it is taking temporary proactive measures to ensure the safety of its crews, vessels, and customers’ cargo by re-routing 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.

ZIM reaffirmed its continued commitment to serve the East Mediterranean and Israeli ports. However, is closely monitoring the situation to address potential risks, and ensure the ongoing safety and efficiency of its operations.

“Operations to and from these ports will be maintained with the highest regard for safety protocols which are essential to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders,” the container liner said in a recent client note.