IN PURSUIT of seafarer resources to crew its ever-expanding fleet Mediterranean Shipping Co has opened its first ship management company in China, in the Ningbo Beilun Free Trade Zone.
Xinde Marine News reports MSC Ship Management (Ningbo) was inaugurated this week and will focus on managing MSC vessels in Chinese waters and beyond, offering full-cycle maritime services, including seafarer recruitment, safety management, and green technology initiatives. The company will collaborate with the Ningbo Maritime Bureau on sustainable practices, including dual-fuel vessel conversions and promoting green shipping technologies. The new company will play a critical role in MSC’s regional strategy, driving the growth of China’s international maritime service capabilities, Xinde reported.
With its new ship management company, MSC is not only enhancing its fleet management and emergency response capabilities in China but also contributing to the country’s maritime workforce. The company plans to recruit 2,000 Chinese seafarers by 2026, providing substantial employment and training opportunities in the growing maritime sector.
Xinde quoted Prabhat Kumar Jha, CEO of MSC Ship Management, as emphasising the importance of Ningbo’s strategic location and professional maritime services, and acknowledging the strong partnership between MSC and local maritime authorities.
According to Alphaliner MSC now operates a global fleet of 928 vessels, with a total capacity exceeding 6.7 million TEU, inflated by well over 300 second-hand purchases in recent years.
MSC also has130 known newbuilds on order, mostly at Chinese yards and including latest orders of 2 x 22,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ships from Hengli Heavy Industry (Dalian), 2 x 21,700 TEU LNG-ready ships from Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, and 3 firm + 3 optional 21,000 TEU LNG-capable vessels from CMHI Jiangsu, all due for delivery in 2028/29., and apparently indicating the carrier is not overly-fussed by Donald Trump’s planned ban on Chinese-built and/or operated ships.