Opposition to the proposed $4.2 billion sale of ZIM to Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd and Israeli fund FIMI is growing, according to Calcalist.
Zim employees submitted an opinion to relevant government ministries on Tuesday, prepared by Maj. Gen. (res.) Giora Eiland, former head of Israel’s National Security Council. Eiland argued that transferring most of ZIM to foreign ownership would undermine Israel’s strategic shipping capacity and maritime workforce.
Eiland has since paused his conclusions pending further review. FIMI presented arguments he wished to examine before issuing a final opinion. He noted that since ZIM is publicly traded, a foreign takeover is already theoretically possible. He said he will publish his final opinion next week.
A separate opinion from the Naval Officers’ Union raised additional concerns. It warned that the deal’s structure leaves key questions unanswered, particularly around fleet renewal, subsidies and long-term transport agreements. The union also flagged the risk to Israel’s maritime workforce. ZIM officers, it said, form the professional backbone of Israeli shipping. Previous debt restructurings have already created personnel shortages.
The union further questioned whether the “new ZIM” could operate independently over time. Without access to certain regional ports and without firm long-term agreements with Hapag-Lloyd, it would face a structural disadvantage against larger competitors.
The deal still requires government approval. FIMI is working to address criticism from the Competition Authority and Transport Minister Miri Regev.
