MSC Group
MSC Group is a global business focused on cargo transport, logistics, healthcare, shipping, and passenger transport. The company was founded in 1970 by Captain Gianluigi Aponte in Brussels, Belgium, as Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). MSC Group was developed as the parent company after the Aponte family began to invest in new business areas. The company's headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. It currently employs over 200,000 employees and operates in 155 countries.[2][3] MSC Group is the parent company of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and MSC Cruises, a cruise line for passengers. HistoryMSC Group was founded in 1970 in Brussels, Belgium, by Captain Gianluigi Aponte. Aponte began the company with one ship, MV Patricia. Later that same year, the company formed its first business, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, and added an additional vessel, Rafaela. Through the use of the two cargo ships, in 1971, MSC began a shipping line operating between the Mediterranean and Somalia.[4][5] In 1988, MSC Group launched MEDLOG to manage the land logistics of goods transported and to provide global inland solutions to support customers.[6] The following year, in 1989, the company acquired the Lauro cruise lines, which were later renamed MSC Cruises in 1995.[7] By 2000, MSC Group founded Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), which became one of the world's largest container terminal operators.[8] MSC Group then launched Explora Journeys, a luxury cruise line, in 2021. The company began with four ships, all of which set sail in 2023.[9][10] Also in 2021, MSC Group purchased a controlling stake in Log-In, a coasting trade company and integrated logistics operator headquartered in Brazil.[11] In 2022, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) joined MSC Group as a multimodal logistics operator for port, logistics, sea, and rail in Africa.[12] Later that year, MSC Air Cargo was launched to address the demand for efficient air cargo solutions.[13] It was announced in August 2022 that MSC Group would be acquiring Mediclinic Group, an international private hospital group.[14] In 2024, MSC Group acquired a 50% stake in Italo, the first Italian private operator on the high-speed rail network.[15] That year, Gram Car Carriers (GCC) joined MSC Group as the world's third-largest tonnage provider, with its 19 vessels within the Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs) segment.[16][17] MSC Group announced in August 2024 that its subsidiary SNAV received a new ferry from Intermarine, an Italian shipbuilding company.[18] Also in 2024, MSC Group completed the acquisition of a 49.9% minority stake in HHLA.[19] MSC Group integrated its tugboat business with the Boluda Group in February 2025.[20] In March, MSC Group's terminal operator TiL partnered with investment group BlackRock to purchase terminals in Panama from CK Hutchison for $22.8 billion.[21] MSC Group also acquired Wilson Sons in Brazil for $760 million in May 2025.[22] SubsidiariesMediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) provides global logistics and transportation operations, and is the world's largest shipping container line with 900 vessels and operations across 155 countries, as of 2025.[23][24] MSC CruisesMSC Cruises is the world's largest privately held cruise company, and operates 23 ships across terminals in the United States and Europe.[25][26][27] MEDLOGMEDLOG provides inland logistics, allowing the company to deliver end-to-end solutions for clients.[28] Terminal Investment Limited (TiL)TiL secures and manages port terminal access to ensure ships have reliable and efficient entry to trade hubs across the globe. It has become one of the largest terminal operators in the world.[29] Africa Global Logistics (AGL)AGL expands MSC Group's port and terminal network by providing multimodal transport solutions and investments in infrastructure development.[30] WEC LinesWEC Lines provides shortsea container shipping services throughout Europe and North Africa with a fleet of 14 vessels.[31] Log-In Logística IntermodalLog-In Logística Intermodal increases logistic operations in Brazil and the Mercosur region through coastal shipping, road transport, and terminal services.[32] MedTugMedTug provides harbor towage services, invests in fleet modernization, expands MSC Group's global reach, and helps the company form alliances to improve maritime operations.[33] MSC Air CargoMSC Air Cargo enhances logistics capabilities through dedicated air freight services that integrate with MSC Group's global shipping network.[34] Gram Car Carriers (GCC)GCC is the world's third-largest provider of PCTC tonnage and has a fleet of seventeen vessels, as of 2025.[35] Messina LineMessina Line provides specialized shipping services throughout the regions of the Mediterranean and Africa, increasing MSC Group's presence in international markets.[36] The MSC FoundationThe MSC Foundation is a private non-profit organization that was founded in 2018. The foundation works towards marine conservation, community support, education, and emergency relief.[37] In 2016, MSC Group acquired a private island, Ocean Cay, which the foundation restored. In 2020, the foundation partnered with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University to develop a program to contribute research to help restore coral reefs worldwide.[38] In April 2024, it was announced that MSC Group, the foundation, and Mercy Ships would be partnering to build a hospital vessel that would provide free surgery and yearly training to individuals in Africa.[39] The foundation opened a Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay in April 2025.[40] References
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