Zim celebrates 68 years!

Israeli Shipping line Zim Integrated Shipping Services, with local offices in Jamaica, celebrated its 68th anniversary on June 7.

ZIM was established in 1945 by the Jewish agency, Histadrut Labor Federation and the Israel Maritime League. The Kedmah, ZIM's first ship, was purchased in 1947. The company's early fleet included ships that were refitted to carry immigrants from Europe and much-needed supplies during Israel's founding, War of Independence and difficult early years in the late 1940s.

In 1953, ZIM embarked on an era of global expansion that lasted 15 years, with the acquisition of 36 passenger, cargo, bulk-carrier and container ships, and the launch of a range of passenger and cargo services.

'ZIM Container Service'

In 1972, ZIM introduced the innovative ZCS. The 'ZIM Container Service' was a three-continent line, with a scheduled 100-day journey that originated in Israel and included ports of call in the Far East, Asia, America and Europe. This also marked the era of ZIM's first calls to Jamaica and the beginning of this relationship.

Kimani Peterkin, marketing manager for ZIM's local office, Carib Star Shipping Limited, said, "68 years in existence and 41 years in Jamaica is a great achievement, more so in light of the current economic climate. The company has embarked on a new mission and vision that is geared to taking the company to new levels."

Peterkin added, "We cross oceans for our customers, carrying goods around the world. Our excellent service, creative and efficient solutions will establish ZIM as the preferred carrier of companies worldwide."

ZIM offers services in Kingston as well as in Montego Bay (through transshipment via Kingston). Carib Star Shipping, a fully owned subsidiary, is ZIM's agent in Jamaica and has operated in this capacity since 1989. ZIM is the only major shipping line that has established unbroken service to the Port of Kingston, supporting Jamaican businesses and citizens by taking Jamaican exports out into the world and bringing raw materials and consumer goods to this island without fail for decades.