Hapag-Lloyd in advanced talks to acquire Zim

German container shipping major Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed advanced negotiations to acquire 100% of shares in Israeli rival ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a deal reportedly worth up to $3.7bn, Splash 247 reports. The potential takeover marks a major consolidation move in the global container shipping industry.

 

No binding agreement has been signed yet. The transaction still requires approvals from Hapag-Lloyd’s management and supervisory boards, as well as consent from Zim’s shareholders and regulators. A key condition is approval from the State of Israel under special “golden share” rights embedded in Zim’s articles of association.

 

If completed, the acquisition would raise Hapag-Lloyd’s global market share from about 7% to roughly 8.8%, increasing operated capacity to around 3m teu. This would strengthen its position as the world’s fifth-largest container line, widening the gap to Ocean Network Express while remaining behind COSCO Shipping.

 

The structure of the deal would increase Hapag-Lloyd’s exposure to chartered tonnage. Around 39% of its fleet is currently chartered, and absorbing Zim’s largely chartered capacity would lift that ratio to about 52%. In a market expected to soften, greater charter flexibility could help the combined carrier adjust capacity more quickly.

 

The talks follow a strategic review at Zim after a 2025 attempt to take the company private was rejected by its board. Several global carriers were linked to the process before Hapag-Lloyd emerged as the leading bidder.

 

If finalised, the Hapag-Lloyd–Zim transaction would significantly reshape the competitive balance in global container shipping.

 

Picture: ZIM