Hapag-Lloyd Eyes ZIM as Israeli Crew Fights to Keep It Local.

It’s not every day that a national shipping line becomes the centrepiece of a geopolitical tug-of-war, but that’s exactly what’s unfolding in Israel. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd is reportedly circling ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, sparking uproar from ZIM’s workforce and sending ripples through the global container trade.

Image Source: ZIM

A Deal That’s Causing Waves

Hapag-Lloyd - one of the world’s top five ocean carriers - is believed to be weighing a takeover of ZIM, which has been exploring “strategic alternatives” to boost shareholder value. The move comes as the container market steadies after two years of turbulence, and consolidation chatter picks up again across major trade lanes.

But this one’s not your average M&A headline. Beneath the surface sits a political current that’s hard to ignore. Hapag-Lloyd’s shareholder base includes funds from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, a fact that has raised eyebrows in Tel Aviv and onboard ZIM’s vessels alike.

Crew Pushback

ZIM’s employees aren’t staying quiet. The company’s 1,000-strong workforce has called on Israel’s transport ministry to intervene, arguing that the sale would undermine the nation’s maritime independence. Their point? Roughly 98 % of Israel’s freight moves by sea, and ZIM is the lifeline that keeps it moving, even during conflict.

During the Swords of Iron campaign, ZIM ships continued to deliver essentials - from food and medical supplies to ammunition. For many Israelis, ZIM isn’t just a shipping line; it’s a symbol of resilience and sovereignty.

Golden Anchor Clause

Here’s where it gets interesting: the Israeli government still holds a “golden share” in ZIM, granting it the right to veto any transaction deemed contrary to national interests. Translation: even if Hapag-Lloyd makes a move, the final call rests in Jerusalem - not Hamburg.

Other Suitors in the Mix

Hapag-Lloyd isn’t alone. Other bidders - including a consortium led by Israeli businessman Eli Glickman and shipping magnate Rami Ungar - have already made their pitch, reportedly valuing ZIM at around US$2.3–2.4 billion. That offer was rejected, but it signalled that the race for ZIM is far from over. Investment bank Evercore is now running the process, and the rumour mill is in full swing.

The Bigger Picture

For Hapag-Lloyd, acquiring ZIM would mean instant dominance across the Eastern Med and a stronger foothold in Middle Eastern trade - particularly as Red Sea disruptions reshape routing strategies. For Israel, though, the potential sale isn’t just commercial - it’s existential.

ZIM’s fleet is more than steel and schedules. It’s national strategy in motion, and as this story unfolds, one thing’s certain: the next chapter in this maritime drama will be anything but calm seas.

Sources: CTech, The Maritime Executive