Israeli line Zim has named the first of 10 neo-panamax dual-fuel container ships after late shipping magnate Sammy Ofer.
The 15,000-teu LNG-powered Zim Sammy Ofer (built 2023) was christened on 16 February at a ceremony at South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries.
Ofer, who passed away in 2011, was remembered for his achievements and contributions to the global shipping industry, as well as his philanthropy supporting important humanitarian causes.
“This is an important moment for Zim and for me personally,” Zim chief executive Eli Glickman said. “I had the privilege of knowing the great late Sammy Ofer for many years, as a mentor and an inspiration.
“Naming the first LNG-powered vessel in Zim’s fleet in his honour is a fitting tribute to his vision.
“With the entrance of the Zim Sammy Ofer we embark on a new era, with a far more efficient and sustainable fleet, improving our cost structure and competitive edge and enhancing our commitment to ESG values.”
Flagship service
The Zim Sammy Ofer is the first of 10 vessels ordered in a long-term chartering agreement between the liner operator and tonnage provider Seaspan Corp.
The vessels were ordered by Seaspan in January 2021, on the back of an agreement with Zim to operate them for a minimum period of 12 years.
Bing Chen, chief executive of Seaspan and parent company Atlas, said: “We are extremely honoured to deliver the vessel in recognition of a legendary industry icon, the late Mr Sammy Ofer, as we continue our decarbonisation journey.”
“Our subsequent deliveries of 15,000-teu and 7,800-teu LNG dual-fuel newbuilds in 2023 are the further testimony of our commitment to our ESG values and a more sustainable marine industry.”
The Zim Sammy Ofer, which is 366 metres long with a 51-metre beam, will be the first LNG dual-fuel container ship to call at the US east coast, on Zim’s flagship service, Zim Container Service Pacific.
The company will hold a welcome ceremony for the vessel on 30 April at Haifa Bayport in Israel during its maiden voyage.
Godmother of the ship was Batia Ofer, wife of Eastern Pacific Shipping owner Idan Ofer, who is one of Sammy’s two sons along with Zodiac Maritime’s Eyal Ofer.
