Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) have agreed to collaborate on some Transpacific trade lanes in a partnership set to last three years, according to a September 9 statement from ZIM.

The operational cooperation agreement affects six routes from Asia to the U.S. East Coast and U.S. Gulf Coast, and is scheduled to commence in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings.

ZIM said the proposed network under this cooperation agreement is designed to enable ZIM to provide its customers with extensive port coverage, further elevating ZIM's quality of service, as well as achieving significant operational efficiencies. 

"This important collaboration reflects ZIM's commitment to both delivering an outstanding shipping solution to its customers, and taking continuous proactive steps to enhance efficiencies in our network,” said Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said. “It is the direct outcome of our fleet renewal program which has greatly enhanced ZIM's competitive position, particularly on the Asia to U.S. East Coast trade.” Glickman added that ZIM was the first carrier to introduce LNG capacity to the Asia to US East Coast trade and currently offers two services fully operated by these vessels

The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel sharing agreements.