Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen has outlined further details of the company’s revised proposal to acquire Israeli container shipping company ZIM, including plans to strengthen Israel’s maritime capabilities and address concerns raised by government authorities.
The revised proposal, developed jointly with Israeli investment firm FIMI, includes an additional shipping route to Asia, investment in Israeli maritime personnel and a new fleet for ZIM Israel.
Habben Jansen said the changes were designed to address Israel’s national security requirements and provide greater maritime independence.
“The substantially improved proposal gives Israel materially more maritime independence and addresses all its national security needs,” he said.
The Hapag-Lloyd CEO also emphasized the importance of retaining shipping expertise in Israel as part of the proposed transaction.
Revised proposal to be presented to Israeli authorities
Habben Jansen addressed concerns raised by Israel’s Ministry of Finance and Government Companies Authority (GCA), arguing that their positions were based on the original acquisition proposal.
According to the executive, the revised structure incorporates significant changes made in response to those concerns.
All details of the improved proposal are still being developed and will be submitted and explained to the relevant Israeli authorities over the coming weeks.
“We are confident that the strengthened proposal addresses the concerns raised and will pave the way for approval of the transaction,” Habben Jansen said.
However, the transaction remains subject to the necessary approvals, and the revised proposal has not yet received final clearance.
Hapag-Lloyd highlights strategic benefits of ZIM acquisition
Beyond the proposed changes to ZIM’s Israeli operations, Habben Jansen reiterated the strategic importance of the potential acquisition.
He said the combination would strengthen Hapag-Lloyd’s position as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company, with a fleet of more than 400 vessels and total carrying capacity exceeding 3 million TEU.
The combined business would also handle more than 18 million TEU annually.
Hapag-Lloyd estimates that the transaction could generate annual savings of up to €500 million through operational synergies.
Habben Jansen acknowledged that negotiations remain complex, reflecting the detailed discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.
The company continues to pursue the acquisition, although the revised terms and regulatory approval process have yet to be finalized.
