ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

From the 1st of October 2024, container cargo from Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan can only be collected via the Secure Chain in the port of Rotterdam. Starting from this date, the major shipping lines will no longer issue PIN codes. Containers from these sailing areas will always be securely and reliably released via the new approach. Only hauliers, rail operators and barge operators that have been authorised via the Secure Chain are able to access the terminals. The introduction for the regions of Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan constitutes the third phase in the rollout of the Secure Chain in Rotterdam. The new approach has already been in use for container cargo from Latin America since the 1st of April. North America will follow on the 1st of July. The process of connecting companies with cargo from this sailing area is proceeding smoothly. Ultimately, the Secure Chain will be used for the release of containers from all shipping areas. Participating shipping lines All the major deepsea shipping lines have adopted the Secure Chain: CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd (via Secure Container Release), HMM, Maersk, Marfret, MSC, ONE, OOCL, Yang Ming and ZIM. As a result, the port of Rotterdam has one uniform operational approach for the secure and reliable release and collection of import containers without a PIN code. Since its launch, almost 275,000 containers have been handled via the Secure Chain Since its launch, almost 275,000 containers have been handled via the Secure Chain. Approximately 950 shippers / ship agents and 800 inland operators have already adopted the new, secure operational approach. The initiative for connecting to the Secure Chain lies with the shipping lines; they will each approach their customers individually. Shippers and ship agents who do not want to wait can also pro-actively contact their shipping line. Doing so means they are immediately assured of a secure and reliable operational approach. Port logistics processes The Secure Chain is a cooperation between the business community and authorities to digitally boost the resilience of the port logistics processes. One of its most significant components is the more secure and reliable release and collection of import containers in the Dutch ports. To a great degree, the Secure Chain works via the Port Community System of Portbase, the neutral logistics platform for the Dutch ports. In a closed logistics chain that solely comprises familiar, authorised parties, companies digitally pass on the authorisation to securely collect a container at the terminal to one another. Only an inland operator that has been authorised through the Secure Chain is able to pre-notify its arrival at the terminal and next gain access. The use of PIN codes, which are susceptible to potential abuse, is eliminated.

As of the 31st of March 2024, all import containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam from Latin America will only be securely and reliably released via the Secure Chain. The new operational approach creates a closed logistics chain that solely comprises familiar, authorised parties. The Secure Chain is part of a broader approach deployed by the public and private sectors to present a united front against drug crime in the port of Rotterdam. Susceptible to potential abuse In the Secure Chain, companies digitally pass on the authorisation to collect a container from the terminal to one another. Only an inland operator that has been authorised through the Secure Chain can gain access to the terminal. The collection of containers using PIN codes, which are susceptible to potential abuse, will come to an end. “The time of widely shared PIN codes via email is over. In the Secure Chain, all the information that is required for the secure and reliable collection of a container is transferred digitally from one link to the next,” says the spokesperson for the Secure Chain. Incoming deepsea containers The Secure Chain makes the Dutch port logistics chains more resilient to unwanted external influences The Secure Chain makes the Dutch port logistics chains more resilient to unwanted external influences. In order for the Secure Chain to work, action is required from all parties in the logistics chain. This starts with the shipping line/ship agent and continues via the shipper, forwarder and inland operator (truck, train, inland shipping) to the terminal. The Secure Chain entails a new operational approach for all these parties. The Port Authority helped facilitate this cooperation in the interest of a safe and resilient port. CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Maersk, MSC, ONE OOCL and ZIM are the shipping lines/ship agents that serve Rotterdam from Latin America. They are currently in the process of connecting their customers in phases. HMM, Yang Ming and (soon) Evergreen are also already live with the Secure Chain. Following the import containers from Latin America, the shipping lines/ship agents will focus on the phased implementation of the Secure Chain for other incoming deepsea containers. Current port logistics processes The Secure Chain is a joint initiative by the business community and the authorities to boost the digital resilience of current port logistics processes. The secure and reliable release and collection of import containers in the Dutch ports is an important component of this. The Secure Chain largely works via the Port Community System of Portbase, the neutral logistics platform for the Dutch ports. To accommodate the Secure Chain, Portbase has added an extra authorisation layer on top of several existing digital services. This makes it possible for different links to securely pass on the authorisation to collect a container. Furthermore, all parties are able to operate with greater efficiency. For example, participants benefit from the smart reuse of data and gain optimal insight into the status and planning of import containers throughout the chain.

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM), a global container liner shipping company, has announced that a new operational cooperation agreement with MSC, the industry’s largest carrier, encompassing several trades. This agreement is designed to significantly enhance operational efficiencies and further elevate service levels for ZIM’s valued customers. The cooperation scope includes services connecting the Indian subcontinent with the East Mediterranean, the East Mediterranean with Northern Europe, and services connecting East Asia with Oceania. The agreements between ZIM and MSC includes vessel sharing, slot purchases, and swap arrangements. ZIM and MSC sign operational collaboration agreement Our decade-long partnership with MSC spanned across multiple trades over the years" Eli Glickman, ZIM President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said: “This important operational collaboration with MSC, a trusted partner and industry leader, marks a mutually beneficial arrangement, delivering cost efficiencies for both carriers, while upholding the highest standards of service and reliability for our customers.” He adds, “Our decade-long partnership with MSC spanned across multiple trades over the years, and today encompass, among others, Asia, the Pacific Northwest, Oceania, India, East-Med, Northern Europe, and more.” Adapt to changing market dynamics Eli Glickman continues, “Our agile strategy enabled us once again to promptly adapt to changing market dynamics, ensuring that we continue to best meet our customers' needs with our signature personalised service, supported by cutting-edge digital tools.” He further said, “Capitalising on this opportunity with MSC will improve efficiencies in our fleet and is consistent with our focus on taking proactive steps amidst continued near-term headwinds in the container shipping market.” Strategic partnership between ZIM and MSC Eli Glickman adds, “We expect that this strategic cooperation will benefit ZIM both operationally and financially, and it is another testament to our agility. We will continue to seek opportunities to leverage our strengths and capabilities to create long-term value for our customers and investors alike.” The restructured ZIM services included in the operational collaboration agreement are as follows: Between Asia and Oceania, ZIM will offer the following services: Northeast Asia - Australia (ZAX): Pusan - Qingdao - Shanghai - Ningbo - Hong Kong - Yantian - Nansha - Brisbane - Melbourne - Sydney - Brisbane - Pusan ZIM Oceania - Asia (ZOA):  Laem Chabang - Singapore - Tanjung Pelapas - Singapore - Jakarta - Brisbane - Sydney - Auckland - Lyttelton - Otago - Brisbane - Tanjung Pelepas - Singapore - Laem Chabang ZIM Oceania Express (ZOX):  Singapore - Jakarta - Fremantle - Melbourne - Sydney - Napier - Tauranga - Brisbane - Tanjung Pelepas - Singapore Between the Indian subcontinent and the East Mediterranean, ZIM will be providing two strings, with port rotations as follows: ZIM India Israel (ZII): Nhava Sheva - Mundra - Haifa ZIM India Turkey (ZIT):  Hazira - Mundra -Tekirdag (TR) - Derince (TR) - Iskenderun (TR) - Mersin - Hazira In the East Mediterranean to Northern Europe trade, ZIM will offer two strings, with port rotations as follows: ZIM North Europe Israel (ZNI): Ashdod - Haifa - Damietta (EG) - Valencia - London Gate Way - Rotterdam - Hamburg - Antwerp - Le Havre - Ashdod ZIM Turkey North Europe (ZNT): Aliaga (Nemrut Bay) - Le Havre - Felixstowe - Bremerhaven - Hamburg - Antwerp - Aliaga (Nemrut Bay) Service restructuring to enhance reliability The service restructuring is aimed to ensure improved service reliability and offers seamless connections to other ZIM services operating in Asia and the Mediterranean.