A regulatory filing submitted by ZIM on Monday confirmed that the Turkish government has prohibited ships linked to Israel from calling at its ports. As a result of this new ban, ZIM has rerouted vessels that were originally scheduled to stop in Turkey.

ZIM stated that it received notice of the ban from its local agent in Turkey on August 22. The rule is effective immediately and also prohibits military cargo ships bound for Israel from docking at Turkish ports. In addition, vessels flying the Turkish flag will no longer be allowed to call at Israeli ports.

In its filing, ZIM said the ban “is expected to have a negative impact on the company’s financial and operational results,” while reaffirming its full-year 2025 guidance.

Israeli media, citing sources familiar with the matter in Israel and Turkey, reported that last Friday the Turkish port authority refused to allow a ZIM vessel to call at Istanbul Port because it is owned by Israel. The vessel continued to Piraeus, Greece, and there is currently no solution for handling ZIM’s cargo originally scheduled for Turkish ports.

Turkish sources said international shipping authorities have not issued clear guidance. One source said the ban covers “any connection to Israel” and emphasized that cargo destined for the Palestinian Authority is also prohibited.

Unlike ZIM, global shipping giants such as MSC and Maersk have no direct Israeli ties and are awaiting clear instructions. The industry has recognized that a vessel’s flag does not guarantee port access in Turkey. Israeli sources noted: “Turkey’s new measures are specifically targeting ZIM.”

After a 15-month trade embargo on Israel, Turkey is expanding its anti-Israel measures, deciding to completely bar Turkish-flagged vessels from calling at Israeli ports. Ships flagged in Israel or owned by Israelis are banned from Turkish ports, while Turkish-flagged vessels are barred from Israel.

Turkey’s new regulations also prohibit handling cargo bound for Israel. However, this is largely symbolic, as there is no reason to believe cargo loaded, for example, in Greece and headed to Haifa would be transshipped via Turkey. Turkish authorities have instructed ports to require shipowners to sign declarations stating that their vessels have no ties to Israel and are not carrying military or other prohibited cargo to Israel.

The ban comes amid mounting pressure on ZIM. Last week, the company reported a 15% decline in revenue for Q2 2025, with EBITDA down 38%. Container throughput fell 6% to 895,000 TEUs for the quarter, though six-month throughput rose to 1.84 million TEUs year-over-year. Despite the soft quarter, ZIM raised its full-year 2025 midpoint guidance but warned that the Turkish ban could negatively affect its financial and operational results if it remains in place.