Zim shipping commits to Bermuda

A shipping firm that brings in supplies from South America and Asia has decided to keep faith with Bermuda.

The move by Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd comes just days after Atlantic Container Line (ACL) pulled out of the Bermuda market.

Zim announced its decision on Monday and will now continue to ship in Bermuda-bound goods to New York.

From March the firm’s supplies will be transported up to Philadelphia where they will be loaded on to the Oleander and brought to the island.

Howard Pitcher, VP of Commercial Operations for Container Ship Management — Zim’s local agent told the Sun: “CSM is quite happy to see Zim committing to the Island even with the added logistical problems the move to Philadelphia will add.

“Competition must be encouraged as much as possible to make sure all rates to Bermuda are kept in check.

“I think people would be amazed at just how many goods come to the island from places other than the US and Canada.

“We look forward to helping customers with quotes from the Western Mediterranean, South America, Asia and the Caribbean.”

Zim has been shipping goods to Bermuda through New York since before 1997.

And the shipping line brings in a range of items including frozen food from South East Asia and Brazil, ceramics from Mexico and car parts from Taiwan.

Barry Brewer, president of Neptune Ltd, which owns BCL and operates the Oleander, told the Sun Zim’s announcement was good news for the island’s importers.

He added: “Zim has been serving Bermuda for quite a period of time. It’s a global carrier bringing in goods from across the world including Asia.

“Zim competed with ACL previously and is well known and provides a fast service.

“We were worried they might pull out as well as ACL.

“So this is good news and provides options for our importers which is what we are trying to do.”