I worked with ZIM for many years. The food was excellent, spare parts were supplied without problems, and the office asked us to order only as much food as would be used. Everyone had Saturday off, and I was paid for connecting and disconnecting equipment. Salaries were good, with bonuses, a savings program and an increase after each contract.
I personally went through the Israeli medical examination and ministry exam before working under the Israeli flag. The exam lasted about three to three and a half hours and covered a wide range of engineering topics, with particular attention to electrical systems. The medical examination was quick, with a doctor, an eye test and an ECG, and the result was provided immediately.
I worked for ZIM about ten years ago. The food was good, crew changes were carried out on time, and supplies were good. Salaries were average, with no bonuses or seniority benefits. When the vessel called at Haifa, a large repair team usually came on board to inspect, test and repair the equipment, which was very helpful.
I worked for ZIM in 2018 on a container vessel. Everything was normal, and the crew was very mixed.
I worked for ZIM on one contract a long time ago. Under the contract, I was transferred from a nine-month-old vessel to a vessel that was 19 years old. Near the end of the contract, after four months, they wanted to send me to a dry dock, so I left on sick leave.
I previously worked for ZIM. Third mates checked the reefers before the morning watch, and second mates checked them after the day watch. ZIM charged USD 40 for transferring salary to a bank card and attributed this to Ukrainian banks, although I did not encounter such charges in other companies. Despite the problems at MSC, I would not return to ZIM.
I worked through Marine Pro Service on ZIM vessels and completed two contracts without any problems. They did not charge a departure fee, the crews were generally good, and I had no salary problems. The machinery was generally in acceptable condition, the food was fine, and the work was manageable for a third engineer.
I worked on ZIM Qingdao from 2019 to 2020. The contract was for 2 months (USA - Europe). The food was decent, not the worst but not amazing either. There was no internet, only ship mail with a limit. I heard rumors that they plan to install internet, but I don't know the current situation. On Saturdays, we worked half a day. Alcohol was allowed, but limited to 1 liter of strong alcohol per person per week. Water was paid.