February 17, 2026 – In a merger of two of the world’s largest container shipping lines, Hapag-Lloyd of Germany will acquire Israel’s Zim Integrated Shipping Services for $4.2 billion. Zim confirmed the news in an announcement Monday. Zim said the sale is structured so that a new Israel-based company, New ZIM, will acquire a portion of its business. Zim did not provide further details. But the new company, financed by an Israeli private equity investor, ensures state control of the carrier’s owned vessels, for security purposes. Hapag-Lloyd is one-third owned by state funds of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which requires approval by Zim shareholders and regulators, is expected to close in late 2026.