The agreement follows a six-month tender process, during which ZIM sought buyers for the company, which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Following the sale, ZIM is expected to be delisted.

Under the terms of the deal, Hapag-Lloyd will take control of ZIM’s global operations, including 99 leased ships, international shipping routes, marketing networks, and technology platforms. FIMI will oversee a “new ZIM” company, maintaining ownership of 16 Israeli-flagged ships, direct routes to Israel, and the company headquarters in Haifa. FIMI’s role is also meant to preserve Israel’s strategic interests. In times of conflict, the fund is required to ensure that the country can mobilize ships to transport essential goods such as ammunition, wheat, and fuel.

The sale represents a significant premium over ZIM’s current market value of around $2.7 billion. Officials said the joint bid from Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI was among several offers received and has now reached the final stages of approval.