ISC considers legal action against Zim and the Haifa port co.

ISC claims that Zim plays a central role in the creation of heavy congestion at the port of Haifa due to using it as its east med hub unloading and loading large quantities of containers
 
Following the call made by the Israeli Shipper's Council (ISC) that the ports reform was a failure and expressed surprise that government ministries involved had not intervened to remedy the unbearable situation, matters have worsened over the last week.
 
In a statement issued by Mr. Gad Schaefer, Chairman The Israeli Shippers' Council, he noted that delays at piers had stalled dozens of ships in the waters outside Ashdod Port and Haifa Port for more than a week.
 
ISC was even more fury following the announcement made by Zim Integrated Shipping Services that it would increase port congestion surcharges for a level as high as US$130 for a regular 20'DV container.
 
The ISC announced it was considering legal actions against Zim and the port of Haifa for their inefficient handling of the situation.
 
The ISC claims that Zim plays a central role in the creation of heavy congestion at the port of Haifa due to using Haifa as its east med hub unloading and loading large quantities of containers which are not destined to Israel thus worsening the situation for Israel inbound and outbound traffic.
 
The ISC also claimed that the port has not done enough to limit Zim's trans-shipment activities at the Haifa port.
 
The ISC statement called all members not to pay the new charges or pay under protest.
 
Following Schaefer's statement the Haifa port company said it had taken all necessary steps to reduce the congestion. Zim Integrated Shipping Services issued “no comment” to ISC's serious claims.