Major milestones for MSC

MEDITERRANEAN Shipping Company has reached a remarkable milestone, becoming the first container line to assemble a fleet of 1,000 ships.

The achievement comes just after the revelation that MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte and wife Rafaela Aponte-Diamant have handed over the sole control of the sprawling empire to their children Diego Aponte and Alexa Aponte-Vago.

The delivery earlier this month of the 11,480 TEU MSC Migsan from China’s Zhoushan Changhong shipyard saw MSC’s owned / operated boxboat fleet crest the 1,000 mark, with ASX Alphaliner listing the company as having a further 126 currently on order. It is likely the total is even greater, as MSC’s seemingly endless purchases of second-hand vessels often don’t emerge until months after the transaction was finalised.

Alphaliner records MSC as operating a total capacity of 7,292,895 TEU or 21.6% of the global boxboat fleet. It overtook chief rival Maersk around five years ago and is now well ahead, with the Danes accounting for 4,653,130 TEU, or 13.8%, and 735 owned and chartered vessels. The CMA CGM Group and COSCO Group follow in third and fourth place, respectively.

As is well-known the MSC Group now extends across virtually all maritime sectors, including cruise ships, ferries, PCTCs, tugs, terminals, landside logistics, airlines, media and more. Most recently the Apontes have bankrolled a joint venture with South Korea’s Sinokor that in just three months this year has become the single largest owner of VLCCs and is now seen targeting the Suezmax tanker segment.

According to the well-established history, Ms Diamant met Mr Aponte when she voyaged in the Mediterranean on a ship of which he was the Master. Their partnership, which acquired its first cargo ship in 1970, is reported to have involved a 50-50 split in ownership of every Group asset. Analysts have put their joint wealth at at least US$37 billion.

On Monday [13 April] the Group issued a brief statement:

“MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is pleased to announce that a transfer of ownership took place during the last quarter of 2025 from its founder Captain Gianluigi Aponte to his son and daughter, Diego and Alexa Aponte. Both of whom are Italian nationals brought up in Switzerland and currently residents of the country.

“This transition marks a significant milestone in the Geneva based company’s history, as Diego Aponte, Group President, and Alexa Aponte, Group Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated leadership and vision, achieving remarkable successes within their respective roles in the business. The move ensures the continued stability and growth of the MSC Group of companies under the stewardship of the next generation.”

Captain Aponte commented: “I am incredibly proud of this historic moment. Passing ownership to my children is not only a reflection of their dedication and achievements, but also a continuation of our family’s centuries long maritime heritage. With Diego and Alexa at the helm, I am confident that our Group will continue to thrive and honour our family’s legacy of innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sea.”

MSC will remain focused on its core business ocean freight with Captain Gianluigi Aponte continuing as executive chairman of the Group.