Expert Supports New Zim Shipping Company as Strategic Upgrade Amid Worker Opposition

Dr. Yigal Maor endorses the establishment of "New Zim," asserting it strengthens Israel's national interest through full Israeli ownership, a modern fleet focused on domestic routes, increased Israeli maritime officers, and higher availability during emergencies. He describes the move as an unprecedented strategic upgrade, countering opposition that relies on populist narratives and misunderstandings of Zim's current ownership, which is largely foreign and dispersed. Maor highlights that while most shares of the old Zim are held by foreign investors via the New York Stock Exchange, New Zim will be fully Israeli-owned under the control of the Pimi fund, known for its patriotic commitment, and will prioritize the state's security and maritime trade continuity.

Maor emphasizes that New Zim's operations will concentrate on Israel's home shipping lanes, mainly in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, regularly calling at Israeli ports and ensuring greater readiness in crises. This model aims to enhance maritime trade continuity and Israel's crisis response capabilities. Additionally, New Zim plans to significantly increase positions for Israeli captains and maritime officers and invest in training future seafarers through a maritime institute in Acre, addressing the erosion of Israel's maritime human capital.

Economically, New Zim will start with a modern, debt-free fleet and benefit from commercial agreements with Hapag Lloyd, providing stability amid global shipping volatility. Maor refutes claims that the deal reduces Zim's fleet, explaining that most current vessels are leased, not owned. He outlines six pillars strengthening national interest: full Israeli ownership, focus on domestic routes, increased Israeli maritime personnel, strategic training partnerships, a modern debt-free fleet, and full commitment to golden share provisions ensuring state control.

The Zim Workers' Committee strongly rejects Maor's opinion, calling it a financially destructive attempt to justify the deal under a false strategic upgrade guise. They warn of the strategic risk of partial Qatari ownership and loss of control over Israel's supply routes, which they deem a security failure. They argue that a small fleet cannot meet Israel's emergency needs for transporting ammunition, food, and essential supplies, advocating instead for a strong, large fleet. The committee accuses the deal of lacking economic justification, threatening Zim's financial stability and employees' futures, and vows to oppose unilateral moves that endanger the company and national security for external profits.