Former Israeli Shipping Authority Head Backs Zim Deal as Strategic Upgrade

Dr. Yigal Maor, former director of Israel's Shipping and Ports Authority for 13 years, has publicly supported the acquisition deal involving Zim Integrated Shipping Services, calling it a strategic upgrade rather than a threat to national interests. The $4.2 billion deal sees Zim purchased by the global shipping giant PAG Lloyd, with its Israeli operations spun off into a new company, "New Zim," owned by the Israeli investment fund FIMI led by Yishai David. Despite ongoing opposition from various Israeli government ministries, including the Defense Ministry, which cite concerns over national security, Maor's expert opinion challenges these claims.

Maor, with nearly 50 years of maritime experience and a founder of the MBA program for shipping and port management at the University of Haifa, argues that the current Zim is already majority foreign-owned, with 88% of shares held by foreign investors, many anonymous and unregulated. The key issue, he says, is ensuring the "golden share" held by the Israeli state is maintained and enhanced to secure Israel's special needs, such as maritime trade continuity during emergencies and preserving maritime expertise.

He highlights that the new company will operate "home routes" ensuring all vessels regularly call at Israeli ports, improving operational availability and rapid mobilization in crises. Employment for Israeli seafarers is expected to more than double from 61 to about 135, with increased shore-based maritime professions supported by investments in a maritime training institute in Acre. Maor also refutes claims that the new company is financially risky, noting that unlike the current Zim, which is exposed to global market volatility, New Zim will have a debt-free fleet backed by long-term commercial agreements and profitability guarantees from PAG Lloyd.

Opponents, including Zim workers' unions, dismiss Maor's report as biased and accuse the deal of risking Israeli control by foreign interests, particularly citing concerns over PAG Lloyd's ownership links to Qatari and Saudi sovereign wealth funds. They warn of severe risks to operational continuity in emergencies and the financial stability of Zim's assets, pledging to continue resisting the transaction. Maor counters that opposition relies on populist narratives and ignores the reality of Zim's current foreign ownership and dispersed fleet.

The debate continues as the deal awaits final government approval amid contrasting views on its impact on Israel's maritime strategic interests and economic future.