Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is the world’s largest container shipping company, founded in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC operates as a privately owned and family-managed enterprise with global reach. The company manages a fleet of over 800 vessels and handles cargo movement across all major international trade routes. With operations in more than 155 countries and support from 524 offices worldwide, MSC employs a workforce exceeding 200,000 people.

Beyond ocean freight, MSC offers integrated logistics services that include inland transportation, container depots, and multimodal connectivity. The company has consistently invested in fleet expansion and operational scale to support reliable, high-volume shipping services. MSC also focuses on sustainable shipping practices, including the adoption of cleaner fuel alternatives and energy-efficient vessel designs. Its scale, service range, and privately held structure allow MSC to provide stable, cost-effective solutions for businesses operating across global supply chains.

About MSC Shipping

MSC was established in 1970 by Gianluigi Aponte and has since evolved into the largest container shipping company in the world. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC operates a fleet of more than 800 vessels with a total carrying capacity that now exceeds 6 million TEUs. The company maintains services to over 500 ports and operates 215 trade routes connecting major economies in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

MSC’s logistics infrastructure extends beyond maritime transport. Its multimodal offerings include MSC Air Cargo and a broad network of inland terminals, enabling end-to-end freight movement by road, rail, and air. These services help businesses reduce delays, improve delivery timelines, and maintain control over container flow across global networks. MSC also operates container depots and logistics hubs that strengthen its inland connectivity.

The company has a strong presence at high-volume terminals such as Singapore, Antwerp, Long Beach, and Rotterdam. Its ultra-large container vessels, some of which carry over 24,000 TEUs, serve as the backbone of long-haul routes. These large vessels support consistent weekly schedules and contribute to efficient port operations across key international corridors.

MSC continues to make sustainability a priority by aligning with IMO decarbonization goals. Its initiatives include investment in low-emission vessels, optimization of fuel consumption, and development of carbon reduction technologies. As it scales further, MSC remains focused on improving operational efficiency while supporting environmentally responsible shipping across all regions it serves.

General Information

Tools Offered

MSC Container Tracking

Our MSC/MEDU tracking tool is designed to provide you with easy, convenient, and quick tracking of Mediterranean Shipping Company containers. With this tool, you can effortlessly track the location of your containers/cargo and receive instant updates.

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MSC Sailing Schedule

Stay on track with the latest MSC sailing schedules. Explore upcoming vessel schedules, get detailed insights on performance, and effortlessly track the on-time performance of MSC's global fleet.

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MSC Empty Return

With GoComet's MSC empty return tracking tool, you can monitor container return status in real-time. Whether managing one container or multiple, GoComet helps minimize delays and avoid detention or demurrage charges.

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MSC Vessel Tracking

Use GoComet's MSC Vessel Tracking tool to track your shipments. Simply enter your MSC vessel name to get real-time tracking updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who currently leads the company, and has leadership remained within the Aponte family?

  Yes, it continues to be family-run. Diego Aponte serves as President and CEO, while Soren Toft leads the cargo division. Leadership has stayed within the Aponte family since its founding.
• Does the company operate its own terminal facilities worldwide?

  Yes, through Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), it operates or co-owns more than 70 terminals globally, enhancing efficiency and connectivity at key ports.
• What differentiates this carrier from competitors like Maersk or CMA CGM?

  Unlike publicly listed rivals, it remains privately held and family-managed, allowing greater flexibility in long-term investment and strategic decisions.
• Has the company made any major acquisitions recently?

  A key acquisition was Bolloré Africa Logistics, which significantly expanded its inland and maritime logistics capabilities across Africa.
• Is MSC still part of the 2M Alliance?

  It was a founding member of the 2M Alliance with Maersk. However, the alliance will end in 2025, after which MSC will operate independently.
• How are disruptions like port strikes or extreme weather handled?

  Its large fleet and terminal partnerships allow flexible rerouting and rescheduling through alternative ports, helping minimize delays.
• What types of cargo does the company typically carry?

  Services cover containerized freight, refrigerated cargo, hazardous goods, oversized loads, and breakbulk or project cargo.
• Where can official documentation, schedules, and tools be accessed?

  These resources are available on the MSC website. Additional functionality like booking and real-time tracking is provided via the myMSC platform.
• Does MSC offer digital shipping tools?

  MSC’s digital capabilities are expanding. While MSC has its own tools, GoComet enhances the experience with real-time visibility, analytics, and scheduling services for all MSC shipments.
• What is MSC’s role in sustainable shipping?

  MSC is actively investing in fuel-efficient vessels, lower-emission operations, and carbon offset programs to align with global sustainability standards in maritime logistics.