Former Shipping Authority Head Endorses New Zim Deal as Strategic Upgrade for Israel

Dr. Yigal Maor, former director of Israel's Shipping Authority, published a detailed professional opinion supporting the establishment of "New Zim." He asserts that the new company is not detrimental to Israel's national interest but rather represents an unprecedented strategic upgrade. Maor criticizes opposition to the deal as based on populist narratives and a flawed understanding of both national and international maritime trade, noting that most of the current Zim fleet is already foreign-owned and fragmented.

Commissioned by the FIMI fund, Maor emphasizes that much public criticism ignores the current ownership and operational structure of Zim. While most shares of the existing Zim are held by foreign investors via the New York Stock Exchange, "New Zim" will be fully Israeli-owned under FIMI, which has a proven national and patriotic reputation. The company will operate with full commitment to Israel's needs, national security, and maritime trade continuity.

Economically, Maor highlights that the new company will start with a modern, debt-free fleet and benefit from commercial agreements with Hapag Lloyd, ensuring stability amid global shipping volatility. Addressing concerns that the deal reduces Zim's fleet size, he explains that most ships are currently leased, not owned. "New Zim" will strengthen national interests through six key pillars: full Israeli ownership preventing foreign influence, focus on domestic shipping routes near Israeli ports, significant increase in positions for Israeli maritime officers, strategic partnership in training future seafarers, a modern debt-free fleet backed by commercial agreements, and ongoing commitment to the golden share provisions adapted to current state needs.

Maor stresses that the fleet under "New Zim" will fully comply with Israeli emergency and conscription laws, and that FIMI is committed to maintaining and updating the golden share clauses established decades ago during Zim's privatization. His views contrast with those of Zadok Redeker, the current Shipping Authority director, who warned in a position paper about potentially dire consequences for Israel's shipping industry if the deal proceeds.