According to The Loadstar, Hapag-Lloyd has increased its full-year 2026 EBITDA guidance by more than $1bn, revising it from $2.7bn–$3.7bn to $3.9bn–$4.4bn. The carrier also upgraded its group EBIT outlook to $1.25bn–$1.75bn, up from $100m–$1.1bn, citing sustained market demand and rising spot freight rates.
Revised Zim acquisition proposal addresses Israeli government concerns
Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI Opportunity Funds have jointly submitted a revised offer for Zim’s international operations following objections from the Israeli government. Under the new proposal, foreign ownership in the newly structured Zim Israel would fall to 10% from 24%, while the state’s Golden Share would be enlarged. The plan includes launching a Far East–Israel service, an Israel–North America east coast service, and two intra-Europe strings — alongside doubling reefer capacity and building an independent IT system.
The current concept envisions Zim Israel operating 16 vessels — 12 owned and 4 chartered. However, industry analysis suggests this fleet size is insufficient to sustain a weekly Far East–Israel service in addition to the three other proposed strings. The source notes it remains unclear where additional tonnage would come from or how it would be financed.
To address workforce concerns, the revised deal includes a commitment to expand the pool of Israeli seafarers and establish a new collective bargaining agreement that “will ensure employment continuity for the vast majority of Zim’s current employees, with a safety net for ten years”, according to Calcalist.
Labor protections and timeline for final submission
While earlier reports indicated the transaction could eliminate approximately 200 jobs at Zim, FIMI has reportedly offered generous voluntary retirement terms and pledged to avoid layoffs through the end of 2027. The updated proposal also reaffirms Hapag-Lloyd’s financial capacity to advance the acquisition, supported by its strengthened 2026 earnings outlook.
Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI are scheduled to present the full details of the revised offer within the next 45 days. The company’s original investor note was issued on 29 September 2026, and all forecasts pertain to fiscal year 2026.
Source: The Loadstar
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
