ZIM Magazine | #96 | Autumn 2107

38 ZIM Magazine The Plasson factory in Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael, a longstanding client of ZIM, is one of the project's sponsors, and its name appears on the ship's gaff sail. The original ship was discovered right next to the kibbutz, and one of the kibbutz's members, archeologist Prof. Elisha Linder, led the research team for years until he passed away in 2009. The building of the replica represents the realization of a dream that Linder had nurtured since the ship's discovery. 7 build a full size, functional replica of the ship, learning about the methods and technologies of early sailors in the process. This dream started to become reality in 2014 with a keel laying ceremony to mark the start of reconstruction. Spearheaded by the late Prof. Yaacov "Yak" Kahanov and Avner Hillman of the Israel Antiquities Authority, the project was also contributed to by university staff, professionals, volunteers and students. The Antiquities Authority, the Marine Institute of Acre, the Jewish National Fund, and Israel Shipyards were all partners in the project, which was also funded by generous donations from various bodies, including anonymous donors. The ship's hull was built using mostly pine from the northern Galilee and several segments of oak, with strict adherence to the historic materials and techniques that were used. Construction was completed in December 2016, and a special launch ceremony took place on March 17, 2017 at the Port of Haifa's fishing wharf. The ancient ship sailing along the coast was truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold. Many similar replicas have been built in other places in the world. In 1986, a ZIM ship had the honor of transporting one, the Kyrenia, from the Port of Piraeus to NewYork on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.