ZIM will next weekend re-start its speedy South China – California ‘ZIM eCommerce Xpress’ service (‘ZEX’). The carrier originally launched this loop in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ZIM then closed its ‘ZEX’ in March 2023 when the Transpacific market had cooled down. The return of the Israeli carrier to the Transpacific Southwest trade is not motivated by favourable market conditions on this route.
The re-launch seems to have two reasons: ZIM continues to expand its fleet rapidly and has to seek employment for the additional ships. The choice is understandable in view of the spot ocean freight rate evolution on the two biggest East – West trades.
Source: Alphaliner
