ZIM modifies Greece-Turkey loop

The service changes are part of ongoing efforts to expand coverage in the Mediterranean region and improve overall service levels to customers, according to Israeli ocean carrier ZIM.    Israeli ocean carrier ZIM Integrated Shipping Services is modifying the rotation of its TGX service by adding a port call in Turkey and shifting one in Greece to another loop, the company said in a Dec. 20 announcement.
   The changes are being made “in order to improve our current service levels and provide customers in the region with the best solutions,” the firm said in a statement.
   Starting in January, ZIM will add the Port of Iskenderun in Turkey to the TGX, while dropping a call at Thessaloniki, Greece, leaving a revised rotation of Haifa, Ashdod, Iskenderun, Antalya, Istanbul (Ambarli), Izmit, Gemlik, Istanbul (Ambarli), Piraeus, Izmir, and Haifa.
   With the new configuration, cargo going to and coming from Thessaloniki will now be served by ZIM’s mainliner ZMP service, via Istanbul to Haifa, with a total transit time of seven days and improved schedule reliability, according to ZIM.
   In addition, transit time from Piraeus to Israel will be shortened to four days, instead of the current 11 days, ZIM said.
   “The change is implemented as part of ZIM’s strategy to create synergy with our mainliners through fast connections in Turkish ports,” the firm explained. “The new rotation is also aimed to overcome congestion problems in Thessaloniki and better serve the Greek market.”
   “The change is part of our ongoing efforts to expand our coverage in the region and improve overall service levels to customers,” ZIM said.