In 1945, ZIM was established by Israel’s Jewish Agency, Histadrut Labor Federation and the Israel Maritime League. Its first ship, the “Kedmah”, was purchased in 1947. The company’s early fleet included boats refitted to carry immigrants and supplies during the challenging period of Israel’s founding, War of Independence and early growth.
Expansion and growth: 1953-1968

In 1953, ZIM began an era of global expansion.  Over a fifteen year period, Zim acquired 36 passenger, cargo, bulk-carrier and tanker ships and launched a rapidly-growing range of passenger and cargo services.
By the late sixties, as air travel increased and the importance of the passenger market decreased, the mounting losses made it impossible for ZIM to continue offering scheduled passenger services.