ZIM Integrated Shipping Services will launch a new container service connecting Asia with the East Coast of South America in September 2026.
The new ZIM Falcon Service (ZFS) will operate exclusively with ZIM vessels. The service expands the carrier’s Latin America network and strengthens connections between Asia and key ports in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
The port rotation will be:
Shanghai – Ningbo – Hong Kong – Yantian – Rio de Janeiro – Santos – Paranaguá – Navegantes – Montevideo – Buenos Aires – Shanghai
ZIM said the new service will offer some of the fastest transit times on the trade.
Transit time from Yantian to Rio de Janeiro will be 24 days, while cargo to Santos will arrive in 26 days.
The service also provides the fastest return route from the River Plate region to Asia. Cargo from Buenos Aires will reach Shanghai in 27 days and Ningbo in 29 days.
The carrier said the service is designed for time-sensitive cargo from South China. It also targets agricultural and industrial exporters in South America with faster return connections to the Far East.
In addition, ZFS will strengthen direct connections to Paranaguá and Rio de Janeiro, while improving access to ZIM’s global network.
The service will support refrigerated cargo with extensive reefer plug capacity. ZIM will also offer transport for out-of-gauge cargo, dangerous goods and electric vehicles using its dedicated fleet.
The maiden voyage is scheduled for 13 September 2026, with the first sailing departing from Shanghai.
ZIM confirmed that its existing ASE service will continue operating until the Falcon Service is launched.
