ZIM Shipping Profits Surge on Rising Freight Rates Despite Sale Challenges

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services reported improved financial results in the second quarter of 2026 following a weak first quarter caused by lower freight rates and cargo volumes. Revenues rose 9% year-over-year to $1.78 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.73 billion. This growth was driven by an 8% increase in freight rates, reaching an average of $1,590 per container, and a 3% rise in cargo volume to 922,000 containers. The main growth occurred in trans-Pacific routes, especially between China and the United States, where ZIM handled 426,000 containers, representing 46% of total volume and a 20% increase from the same quarter in 2025.

Operating profit (EBIT) for the quarter was $144 million, slightly down 3% year-over-year, impacted by costs related to the ongoing acquisition deal by German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd and private equity firm FIMI. Adjusted EBIT, excluding these costs, increased 13% to $169 million. Net profit surged 167% to $64 million. Since June, ZIM has been led by CEO Chen Lichtenstein, who replaced Eli Glickman. The company expects continued improvement throughout the year and issued its first annual forecast amid the pending sale process. Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $2 billion and $2.4 billion, with adjusted EBIT forecasted between $700 million and $1.1 billion, compared to $2.17 billion EBITDA and $885 million EBIT in 2025.

Despite majority shareholder approval, the sale of ZIM to Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI, announced in February, faces obstacles as the Israeli government, which must approve the deal, appears likely to oppose it. ZIM went public on the New York Stock Exchange in early 2022, raising $217 million at a $1.5 billion valuation and initially trading at $1.7 billion. Its market value peaked at $10.6 billion in March 2022 but declined sharply due to falling freight rates in 2023 and currently stands at $3.3 billion.