Mediterranean Shipping Company

File:MSC Tomoko in the Santa Barbara Channel - IMO 9309461 (3898801499).jpg, 2009]]

Mediterranean Shipping Company was founded in Naples in 1970 as a private company by seafaring captain Gianluigi Aponte when he bought his first ship, Patricia, followed by Rafaela, with which Aponte began a shipping line operating between the Mediterranean and Somalia. The line subsequently expanded through the purchase of second-hand cargo ships. By 1977, the company operated services to northern Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

In 1978, the headquarters was established in Geneva, Switzerland.{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} MSC |url=https://www.msc.com/gbr/about-us |access-date=6 April 2021 |website=msc.com}} The expansion continued through the 1980s; by the end of the decade, MSC operated ships to North America and Australia.{{Cite web |title=The history of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. SA |url=http://www.swiss-ships.ch/reeder/reederei-berichte/msc/msc-story-en.html |access-date=10 August 2010 |publisher=Swiss Deep-sea Shipping|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927152118/https://www.swiss-ships.ch/reeder/reederei-berichte/msc/msc-story-en.html |archive-date=27 September 2020|url-status=dead}}

File:MSC Carmen (7892389066).jpg]]

In 1988, MSC entered the cruise business by buying the liner Monterey.{{Cite web |title=MSC Cruises History |url=https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=3161 |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=cruisecritic.co.uk |language=en-gb}} In 1989, they purchased Lauro Lines. The new company was named StarLauro Cruises and had 2 ships, Monterey and Achille Lauro.{{Cite web |title=About MSC Cruises Mediterranean cruise company |url=https://www.msccruisesusa.com/about |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=msccruisesusa.com |language=en}} In 1994, the company ordered its first newly constructed container ships, which were delivered beginning in 1996 with MSC Alexa. They were built by Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri. In 1995, StarLauro Cruises was renamed MSC Cruises.

File:Containers MSC.jpg

In October 2014, Diego Aponte (son of MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte) was named president and chief executive of MSC, taking over from his father who was named group executive chairman. Gianluigi Aponte would continue to oversee all group related activities as well as supporting Diego in shaping the future of MSC.{{Cite web |title=MSC |url=https://www.manifestdb.com/ |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=manifestDB |language=en-US}} In December 2014, the MSC shipping line were ranked number 6 in Lloyd's List of Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping.

In January 2015, MSC launched the world largest container ship, MSC Oscar, with a capacity of 19,224 TEU. Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and registered in Panama, it joined the Albatross service in January as part of the 2M VSA (Vessel Sharing Agreement between Maersk Line and MSC).{{Cite web |title=Introducing the world's largest box ship: MSC Oscar |url=https://www.rivieramm.com/opinion/opinion/introducing-the-worlds-largest-box-ship-imsc-oscari-36194 |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Riviera |language=En}} In June 2015 Maersk and MSC signed a vessel-sharing agreement on the Asia-Europe, trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic trades. The agreement is referred to as the 2M Alliance.{{Cite web |date=10 July 2014 |title=Maersk, MSC Establish Ten-Year VSA |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/maersk-msc-establish-ten-year-vsa/ |access-date=27 April 2021 |website=Offshore Energy |language=en-US}} The 2M Alliance includes 185 vessels with an estimated capacity of 2.1 million TEU, deployed on 21 strings.{{Cite web |date=12 January 2015 |title=2M Alliance Officially Launched |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/2m-alliance-officially-launched/ |access-date=27 April 2021 |website=Offshore Energy |language=en-US}}

In February 2017, MSC purchased a 49% stake into Messina Line, an Italian shipping Line founded in Genoa, Italy in 1929, specialised in intra Mediterranean short sea, and Europe to East and West Africa routes. The company owns 8 Roll-on/roll-off vessels and a Terminal in Genoa port, on top of a container fleet of 65,000 teu.{{Cite web |date=4 November 2019 |title=MSC buys 49% of Messina |url=https://www.cargomar.it/msc-buys-49-of-messina/?lang=en |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Cargomar.it |language=en-US}}

In October 2018, MSC decided to charter out the only two car carriers in its fleet (MSC Immacolata and MSC Cristiana){{Cite web |title=The optimistic Gianluigi Aponte – Ship2Shore |url=http://www.ship2shore.it/en/shipping/the-optimistic-gianluigi-aponte_48417.htm |website=ship2shore.it}}) to Grimaldi Group,{{Cite web |title=Grimaldi to charter in two Aponte's car carriers – Ship2Shore |url=http://www.ship2shore.it/en/shipping/grimaldi-to-charter-in-two-aponte-s-car-carriers_68710.htm |website=ship2shore.it}} replacing them on the service towards West Africa{{Cite web |date=23 January 2018 |title=MSC lines up against Grimaldi as it enters deepsea ro-ro shipping sector |url=https://theloadstar.com/msc-lines-grimaldi-enters-deepsea-ro-ro-shipping-sector/}} with two Messina Line – ConRO vessels: MSC Cobalto (formerly Jolly Cobalto) and MSC Titanio (formerly Jolly Titanio).{{Cite web |title=MSC's ensign flying on the Jolly Cobalto and Jolly Titanio – Ship2Shore |url=http://www.ship2shore.it/en/shipping/msc-s-ensign-flying-on-the-jolly-cobalto-and-jolly-titanio_67136.htm |website=ship2shore.it}}

The swap of these ships, that were previously deployed on MSC Adriatic Trade in between the ports of Trieste and İzmir,{{Cite web |title=MSC's ro-ro services to reach Italy – Ship2Shore |url=http://www.ship2shore.it/en/shipping/msc-s-ro-ro-services-to-reach-italy_66942.htm |website=ship2shore.it}} results in view of a tighter collaboration between MSC and Messina Line.{{Cite web |title=Messina charters two units to MSC – The Medi Telegraph |url=http://www.themeditelegraph.com/en/shipping/shipowners/2018/03/31/messina-charters-two-units-msc-ldQJH0BUduNO3jK6WpsNGP/index.html |website=themeditelegraph.com |access-date=1 November 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417182849/http://www.themeditelegraph.com/en/shipping/shipowners/2018/03/31/messina-charters-two-units-msc-ldQJH0BUduNO3jK6WpsNGP/index.html |url-status=dead }}

In July 2019, MSC launched the largest container ships in the world, the 23,756 TEU MSC Gülsün, built by Samsung Heavy Industries.{{cite web |date=8 September 2019 |title=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-49610297/world-s-largest-container-ship-arrives-at-felixstowe |accessdate=10 September 2019 |work=World's largest container ship arrives at Felixstowe |publisher=BBC}}

In December 2020, Søren Toft became MSC Chief Executive Officer.{{Cite web |title=Søren Toft Arrives at MSC as Chief Executive Officer |url=https://www.msc.com/fra/news/2020-december/soren-toft-arrives-at-msc-as-ceo |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=msc.com |language=en}} Søren Toft is the first person outside the Aponte family to become CEO. He would report directly to Diego Aponte, MSC Group President, and Gianluigi Aponte, founder and MSC Group Chairman. Søren Toft also became a member of the board of directors of Terminal Investment Ltd.{{Cite web |title=Former Maersk COO Toft named first non-family CEO at MSC |url=https://www.seanews.com.tr/former-maersk-coo-toft-named-first-non-family-ceo-at-msc/188524/ |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=SeaNews Turkey{{!}} International Shipping Magazine |language=en}}

File:MSC Bruxelles (ship, 2005) 002.jpg]]

In January 2021, MSC was awarded the "Maritime Sustainability Passport" (MSP) Certificate and Seal by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). NAMEPA's co-founder/executive director Carleen Lyden Walker stated that "By qualifying for NAMEPA's Maritime Sustainability Passport, MSC has demonstrated its commitment to stewardship of the environment, care for its employees, and responsible corporate governance".{{Cite web |title=NAMEPA's Maritime Sustainability Passport Awarded to MSC- Mediterranean Shipping Company {{!}} Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide |url=https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/namepas-maritime-sustainability-passport-awarded-to-msc-mediterranean-shipping-company/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=hellenicshippingnews.com}}

In April 2021, MSC launched a special shipping service to help the distribution of pharmaceutical products during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |title=MSC Launches Global Pharmaceutical Sector Campaign – Helping Our Customers Help The World {{!}} MSC |url=https://www.msc.com/gin/news/2021-april/msc-launches-global-pharmaceutical-sector-campaign |access-date=14 April 2021 |website=msc.com |language=en}} In August 2021, Gary Keville Transport Limited obtained temporary High Court order lifting an embargo preventing it from collecting and delivering containers from Dublin port.{{Cite news |title=Haulier gets court order allowing it to continue collecting containers from port |newspaper=The Irish Times |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/haulier-gets-court-order-allowing-it-to-continue-collecting-containers-from-port-1.4649409}} In December 2021, MSC was reported to offer at least 5.7 billion euros for Bolloré Africa Logistics, a subsidiary of the Bolloré group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1284528/economie-entreprises/msc-propose-au-moins-57-milliards-deuros-pour-bollore-africa-logistics/|title=MSC propose au moins 5,7 milliards d’euros pour Bolloré Africa Logistics|website=JeuneAfrique.com}} Later in December 2022, it was announced MSC had completed the acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics.{{Cite web |title=MSC Group completes acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics |url=https://shipmanagementinternational.com/msc-group-completes-acquisition-of-bollore-africa-logistics/ |access-date=22 December 2022 |language=en-GB}}

In December 2021, acquired a 67% stake in the Brazilian domestic carrier Log-In Logistica.{{Cite web |title=Log-In Logistica accept MSC takeover offer |url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/log-in-logistica-accept-msc-takeover-offer |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=www.seatrade-maritime.com |language=en}}

On 6 January 2022, MSC became the largest container shipping company in the world, surpassing Maersk, in terms of TEU capacity, according to the latest Alphaliner's figures.{{Cite web |date=6 January 2022 |title=MSC officially dethrones Maersk from the top of the container rankings |url=https://container-news.com/msc-officially-dethrones-maersk-from-the-top-of-the-container-rankings/ |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=Container News |language=en-US}}

In 2022, MSC launched a cargo airline, MSC Air Cargo.

In March 2023, the company broke the record of biggest container ship in the world two times in a row by receiving the 24,116 TEU MSC Tessa mega container ship on 10 March and the 24,345 TEU MSC Irina mega container ship on 13 March.{{cite web |title=MSC Shatters Records With Delivery Of 24,346TEU MSC Irina |website=Ships Monthly |url= https://shipsmonthly.com/news/msc-shatters-records-with-delivery-of-24346teu-msc-irina/|publisher=Kelsey Media |access-date=19 April 2024}}

In October 2023, MSC acquired a 50% stake in Italian passenger rail group NTV.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-02 |title=Shipper MSC to buy 50% stake in Italian passenger rail group Italo |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/shipper-msc-buy-50-stake-italian-passenger-rail-group-italo-2023-10-02/ |access-date=2023-10-04}}

In March 2024, it was announced the MSC subsidiary Shipping Agencies Services (SAS) had reached agreement to acquire a 42% stake in the Lyon headquartered air and sea transport engineering and overseas forwarding and logistics company, Clasquin Group.{{Cite web |last=Lennane |first=Alex |date=2024-03-22 |title=MSC closes in on acquisition of French forwarder Clasquin |url=https://theloadstar.com/msc-closes-in-on-acquisition-of-french-forwarder-clasquin/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=The Loadstar}} That same month MSC acquired the Il Secolo XIX newspaper group.{{Cite web |last=Chambers |first=Sam |date=2024-03-28 |title=MSC moves to take over Genoese newspaper group |url=https://splash247.com/msc-moves-to-take-over-genoese-newspaper-group/ |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Splash247 |language=en-GB}}

In June 2024, MSC take a 15% stake in Genoa airport.{{Cite web |last=Bruschi |first=Gabriella |date=2024-06-27 |title=Aponte's MSC takes over 15% of Genoa airport from ADR |url=https://www.firstonline.info/en/la-msc-di-aponte-rileva-il-15-dellaeroporto-di-genova-da-adr/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=FIRSTonline |language=en}}

In July 2024, MSC complete its $698 million acquisition of Norway’s Gram Car Carriers.{{Cite web |last=Wallis |first=Keith |date=1995-05-18 |title=MSC returns to vehicle carrier market after $698 million Gram Car Carriers takeover {{!}} Journal of Commerce |url=https://www.joc.com/article/msc-returns-to-vehicle-carrier-market-after-698-million-gram-car-carriers-takeover-5192300 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=joc.com |language=en}}

In September 2024, subsidiary company Medlog acquired UK based haulier, Maritime Transport.

In October 2024, MSC acquired 56.47% of the Brazilian port and maritime logistics operator Wilson Sons.{{Cite web |last=Ajdin |first=Adis |date=2024-10-21 |title=MSC to take over Wilson Sons in $768m deal |url=https://splash247.com/msc-to-take-over-wilson-sons-in-768m-deal/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Splash247 |language=en-GB}}

In November 2024, MSC acquired 49.9% of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, the Hamburg port main terminal operator. {{Cite web |last=Chambers |first=Sam |date=2024-11-29 |title=MSC completes Hamburg port investment |url=https://splash247.com/msc-completes-hamburg-port-investment/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Splash247 |language=en-GB}}

File:MSC Regulus (ship, 2012) IMO 9465291, Maasmond, Port of Rotterdam pic4.jpg

MSC operates 524 offices in 155 countries with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland and has over 200,000 employees. MSC's shipping line sails on more than 215 trade routes, calling at over 500 ports. As of August 2023, it operates vessels with a capacity of up to {{TEU|24,346}}, including the world's largest container ships such as MSC Turkiye and MSC Michel Cappellini.{{Cite web |last=Mandra |first=Jasmina Ovcina |date=2023-07-17 |title=World's largest containership MSC Michel Cappellini named in Bremerhaven |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/worlds-largest-containership-msc-michel-cappellini-named-in-bremerhaven/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Offshore Energy |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Network |first=MI News |date=2023-11-10 |title=MSC Unveils 24,000 TEU Behemoth "MSC Turkiye", One of The World's Largest Container Vessels |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/msc-unveils-24000-teu-behemoth-msc-turkiye-one-of-the-worlds-largest-container-vessels/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=Marine Insight |language=en-US}}

Since 1989, MSC has owned the holiday cruise division MSC Cruises.

MSC Cruises is the third-largest cruise company in the world, after Carnival Corporation & plc and Royal Caribbean Group, with a 10% share of all passengers carried in 2025.{{Cite web |title=Market Share {{!}} Cruise Market Watch |url=https://cruisemarketwatch.com/market-share/ |access-date=2025-05-04 |language=en-US}}

In 2015, MSC started train operations by taking over the cargo division of Comboios de Portugal, and operates container trains over the Iberian peninsula.{{cite web | url=https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/msc-introduces-spain-portugal-rail-freight-service/ | title=MSC introduces Spain-Portugal rail freight service | date=21 March 2018 }} Its rail operations have later expanded to Italy and beyond, under the name Medway.{{cite web | url=https://www.railvolution.net/news/medway-belgium-s-trains-to-germany | title=MEDWAY Belgium's Trains to Germany }}

In October 2023, MSC acquired a 50% stake in Italo.

File:MSC Air Cargo N709GT at DFW.jpg in 2024]]

In late 2022, MSC launched a virtual cargo airline under the MSC Air Cargo brand, ordering four Boeing 777F cargo aircraft; revenue flights commenced in December 2022 and the second aircraft was delivered in July 2023.{{cite news |author= |date=10 October 2023 |title=MSC Air Cargo operates inaugural flight from Milan to Tokyo |url=https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/msc-air-cargo-operates-inaugural-flight-from-milan-to-tokyo-1350030 |work=The STAT Trade Times |access-date=9 November 2023}} Although MSC owns the aircraft and they are painted in MSC livery, they are operated under contract by Atlas Air.{{cite web |last=Kulisch |first=Eric |date=20 July 2023 |access-date=9 November 2023 |title=Ocean carrier MSC adds 2nd cargo jet |url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ocean-carrier-msc-adds-2nd-cargo-jet |website=FreightWaves.com }}

In August 2023, MSC announced the purchase of a majority share of Italian cargo carrier AlisCargo Airlines, which began flights in 2021 and previously operated four Boeing 777 freighters.{{cite web |last=Kulisch |first=Eric |date=4 August 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023 |title=Ocean carrier MSC strikes deal for Italian cargo airline |url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ocean-carrier-msc-strikes-deal-for-italian-cargo-airline |website=FreightWaves.com }}{{cite news |last=Ramsay |first=Megan |url=https://www.aircargonews.net/business/acquisitions/msc-acquires-majority-stake-in-aliscargo-airlines/ |title=MSC acquires majority stake in AlisCargo Airlines |work=Air Cargo News |location=Sutton, UK |date=3 August 2023 |access-date=10 November 2023}}{{cite news |author= |date=7 August 2023 |title=MSC Buys Italian AlisCargo Airlines to Expand Branded Air Cargo Service |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/msc-buys-italian-aliscargo-airlines-to-expand-branded-air-cargo-service |work=The Maritime Executive |access-date=10 November 2023}} AlisCargo suspended operations and voluntarily withdrew its air operator's certificate (AOC) in 2022 due to declining air cargo rates, which made freighter operation increasingly uneconomical, along with the expiration of a temporary European Union Aviation Safety Agency rule allowing cargo carriage on the main decks of passenger aircraft. AlisCargo had a new 777F scheduled for delivery in 2024 and applied for a new AOC; once the new aircraft and the AOC were obtained, MSC said that AlisCargo would be merged into MSC Air Cargo, and MSC Air Cargo will operate flights independently from Atlas Air.

In May 2024, MSC Air Cargo announced that it had taken delivery of the fifth 777F and that independent operations would soon commence under the new Italian AOC.{{cite web |last=Sourabh |first=Parajit |date=13 May 2024 |access-date=21 May 2024 |title=MSC Air Cargo receives its fifth B777F|url=https://www.stattimes.com/air-cargo/msc-air-cargo-receives-its-fifth-b777f-1352100?infinitescroll=1 |website=stattimes.com|publisher=The STATE Trade Times }}

Terminal Investment Ltd. (TiL), is the port operator 70% owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Co, 20% by Global Infrastructure Partners and 10% by GIC.{{Cite web |title=MSC the big winner as Hutchison loses interest in global ports |url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/msc-the-big-winner-as-hutchison-loses-interest-in-global-ports |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=www.seatrade-maritime.com |language=en}} It manages 45 port terminals on behalf of MSC.{{Cite web |last=Network |first=MI News |date=2019-05-06 |title=MSC Increases Its Stake In TiL And Welcomes Singapore's GIC As A New Shareholder Of TiL |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/msc-increases-its-stake-in-til-and-welcomes-singapores-gic-as-a-new-shareholder-of-til/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Marine Insight |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Ajay |date=2025-01-23 |title=11 Major Container Terminal Operators In The World |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/11-major-container-terminal-operators-in-the-world/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=Marine Insight |language=en-US}}

Notable ships:

{{colbegin|colwidth=20em}}

• MSC Beatrice
• MSC Bruxelles
• MSC Carmen
• MSC Carouge
• MSC Chicago
• MSC Cordoba
• MSC Danit
• MSC Geneva
• MSC Gülsün
• MSC Leigh
• MSC Madeleine
• MSC Napoli
• MSC Nuria
• MSC Oscar
• MSC Pamela
• MSC Rosaria
• MSC Sindy
• MSC Zoe

{{colend}}

2M Alliance was a Maersk SeaLand and MSC vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) launched in 2015 to ensure competitive and cost-efficient operations on the Asia-Europe, trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic trades.{{Cite web |title=Maersk and MSC to discontinue 2M alliance in 2025 |url=https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2023/01/25/maersk-and-msc-to-discontinue-2m-alliance-in-2025 |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=maersk.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Maersk and MSC to discontinue 2M alliance in 2025 |url=https://www.msc.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023/maersk-and-msc-to-discontinue-2m-alliance-in-2025 |access-date=10 March 2023 |website=MSC |language=en}} The arrangement included a series of slot exchanges and slot purchases on east–west routes, also involved Maersk Line and MSC taking over a number of charters and operations of vessels chartered to HMM. The 2M Alliance included 185 vessels with an estimated capacity of 2.1 million TEU, deployed on 21 strings.{{Cite web |date=10 July 2014 |title=Maersk, MSC Establish Ten-Year VSA |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/maersk-msc-establish-ten-year-vsa/ |access-date=23 September 2021 |website=Offshore Energy |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=12 January 2015 |title=2M Alliance Officially Launched |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/2m-alliance-officially-launched/ |access-date=23 September 2021 |website=Offshore Energy |language=en-US}} The 2M arrangement had a minimum term of 10 years with a 2-year notice period of termination. On 25 January 2023, CEO Vincent Clerc of A. P. Moller – Maersk and CEO Soren Toft of MSC announced in a joint press statement that the two shipping lines would terminate the 2M Alliance in January 2025.

On 24 November 1997, the container ship MSC Carla encountered heavy weather and broke apart northeast of Azores in the North Atlantic Ocean, when on route to Boston, United States, from Le Havre, France. The 34 crew members were air-lifted by helicopter to safety.{{Cite web |title=MSC Carla |url=http://wwz.cedre.fr/en/Resources/Spills/Spills/MSC-Carla |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=Cedre |language=en-GB}} The fore part sank over a period of five days. The stern was towed to Spain where it was scrapped.{{Cite web |title=Greenpeace – MSC Carla Accident |url=https://media.greenpeace.org/archive/MSC-Carla-Accident-27MZIF2SJUKF.html |access-date=24 May 2021 |publisher=Greenpeace}} In 1984, the previous owners of MSC Carla (her name was Nihon at that time) lengthened the ship by {{convert|15|m|ftin}}. This was accomplished by cutting the vessel in two and welding in a lengthening module. The structural failure was at the forward end of the new mid-body. The design and installation of the new structure by the shipyard was found to have been faulty.{{Cite web |title=Ship Structure Committee: Case Study: Carla |url=http://www.shipstructure.org/case_studies/carla/ |access-date=24 May 2021 |website=shipstructure.org}}

{{main|MSC Napoli}}

On 18 January 2007, the container ship MSC Napoli was abandoned in the English Channel due to European storm Kyrill after severe gale-force winds and huge waves caused serious damage to MSC Napoli{{'}}s hull, including a crack in one side and a flooded engine room.{{Cite web |title=MSC Napoli: timeline |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/content/articles/2007/07/16/napoli_timeline_feature.shtml |access-date=5 April 2021 |publisher=BBC |language=en-gb}} All 26 crew were picked up from their lifeboat by Sea King helicopters of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm and taken to Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2007 |title=News : 771 : Naval Air Squadrons : Fleet Air Arm : Operations and Support : Royal Navy |url=http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.7798 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121150713/http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.7798 |archive-date=21 January 2007 |access-date=24 May 2021}} On 19 January 2007, the ship was taken under tow but because of the ship's deteriorating condition it was decided to beach the ship at Branscombe.{{Cite news |date=20 January 2007 |title=Pollution watch as ship beaches |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/6282247.stm |access-date=24 May 2021}} On 9 July 2007 the MSC Napoli was refloated,{{Cite news |date=9 July 2007 |title=Stricken container ship refloated |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/6283102.stm |access-date=6 April 2021}} but was immediately re-beached as a crack measuring 3 meters (9.8 ft) was found in the vessel's hull, running down both sides and through the keel. The decision was made to break the ship up near Branscombe beach.{{Cite news |date=13 July 2007 |title=Attempts to break Napoli in two |language=en-GB |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/6895899.stm |access-date=6 April 2021}}

On 29 August 2009, the container ship MSC Nikita was involved in a collision with Nirint Pride off the Port of Rotterdam and was breached in the engine room. She was towed to Rotterdam for emergency repairs and subsequently declared a total loss. There were no casualties.{{Cite web |title=MSC Nikita rammed near engine room by smaller geared vessel off Holland | Certified Transportation Network |url=http://ctngroup.com/msc-nikita-rammed-near-engine-room-smaller-geared-vessel-holland |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218151625/http://ctngroup.com/msc-nikita-rammed-near-engine-room-smaller-geared-vessel-holland |archive-date=18 December 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013 |publisher=Ctngroup.com }}

On 7 August 2010, the container ship MSC Chitra was involved in a collision with the bulk carrier Khalijia II while leaving Jawaharlal Nehru Port east of Mumbai in Navi Mumbai's Raigad district, India.{{Cite web |title=MSC Chitra |url=http://wwz.cedre.fr/en/Resources/Spills/Spills/MSC-Chitra |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=Cedre |language=en-GB}} Khalijia II had ripped into MSC Chitra{{'}}s port side, creating three major dents in its hull and the engine room gradually flooded. After collision the MSC Chitra listed heavily and was grounded {{cvt|8|km}} outside of the port. The captain and 32 crew members were evacuated.{{Cite web |title=Collision of MSC Chitra and MV Khalijia-III the 7 August 2010 |url=http://www.fortunes-de-mer.com/old/rubriques/liens%20et%20contacts/detailsactualites/MSC_Chitra_2010.htm |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=fortunes-de-mer.com}} On 17 April 2011, after the ship was declared a total loss, MSC Chitra was scuttled by Titan Maritime approximately {{convert|385|mi}} off the coast of Mumbai.{{Cite web |title=How the MSC Chitra was finally sunk |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/how-the-msc-chitra-was-finally-sunk-454059 |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=NDTV.com}}

{{main|MSC Zoe}}

On 1 January 2019, whilst on a voyage from Portugal to Bremerhaven carrying more than 8,000 containers, MSC Zoe encountered severe weather causing her to roll violently.{{Cite web |title=Why did the MSC Zoe lose containers overboard? |url=https://www.imarest.org/themarineprofessional/troublespot/5706-why-did-the-msc-zoe-lose-containers-overboard |website=IMAREST.org}} 345 containers went overboard into the North Sea near the Wadden islands off the Dutch coast. Of these, 297 containers were lost north of the Dutch island Ameland, the remaining containers some hours later north of the German island Borkum.{{Cite web |date=7 February 2019 |title=Number of Lost MSC Zoe Containers Jumps to 345 |url=https://www.offshore-energy.biz/number-of-lost-msc-zoe-containers-jumps-to-345/ |website=Offshore Energy}}

{{main|MSC Messina}}

On 24 June 2021, the container ship MSC Messina caught fire in the midway of the Indian Ocean halfway between Sri Lanka and Malacca Strait.{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Fire onboard MSC Messina 480 Nautical Miles from Great Basses Reef |url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2021/06/25/fire-onboard-msc-messina-480-nautical-miles-from-great-basses-reef/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |website=Sri Lanka News – Newsfirst |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Sri Lanka : Another container ship suffers a fire in Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka |url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Jun25_1624601309CH.php |access-date=25 June 2021 |website=colombopage.com}} The fire broke in the engine room of the ship, at {{convert|480|nmi}} away from the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse, Kirinda.{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Fire reported on another container ship in Indian ocean off Sri Lanka |url=https://www.newswire.lk/2021/06/25/ire-reported-on-another-container-ship-in-indian-ocean-off-sri-lanka/ |access-date=25 June 2021 |website=NewsWire |language=en-US |archive-date=13 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413221958/https://www.newswire.lk/2021/06/25/ire-reported-on-another-container-ship-in-indian-ocean-off-sri-lanka/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=25 June 2021 |title=Boxship MSC Messina hit by engine room fire after leaving Sri Lanka |url=https://economynext.com/boxship-msc-messina-hit-by-engine-room-fire-after-leaving-sri-lanka-83374 |access-date=25 June 2021 |website=EconomyNext |language=en}}

{{main|MSC Danit}}

On 16 October 2021, the container ship MSC Danit was boarded in the Port of Long Beach by the United States Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board marine casualty investigators. They were investigating an undersea pipeline that appeared to have been damaged by a ship's anchor and recently spilled oil onto the beaches of Orange County. MSC and ship owner, Dordellas Finance Corporation, and others were designated as parties of interest in the investigation.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2021 |title=Ship owner, operator of interest in California oil spill |language=en |work=Associated Press News |url=https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-california-environment-environment-and-nature-9fef91f98e045a1ab26f11bd70ff34a6 |access-date=19 October 2021}}

On 15 December 2023, during the Gaza war, MSC Palatium III was damaged in a missile attack by Houthi movement insurgents in Yemen as she transited the Red Sea.{{cite news |author= |date=16 December 2023 |title=More big shipping firms stop Red Sea routes after attacks |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67738792 |work=BBC |access-date=22 December 2023}}{{cite news |last=Gambrell |first=Jon |agency=Associated Press |date=15 December 2023 |title=2 attacks launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels strike container ships in vital Red Sea corridor |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/liberian-flagged-cargo-ship-hit-projectile-rebel-controlled-105682536 |work=ABC News |access-date=22 December 2023}} She turned around and exited the area. In a statement the next day, MSC said that the ship had been taken out of service, there were no injuries to the crew, and that the company would cease routing vessels through the Red Sea due to the danger of further Houthi attacks. MSC Palatium III had been sailing under the Liberian flag and was not Israeli-owned, so it was not clear why she was attacked, but a U.S. intelligence analyst told the Associated Press that the ship may have been deliberately targeted because MSC had cooperated with the Israeli government.

{{Main|Iranian seizure of the MSC Aries}}

On 13 April 2024 in the Gulf of Oman, off the Emirati port city of Fujairah,{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/17-indians-among-25-crew-on-ship-seized-by-iran-india-in-touch-with-iranian-authorities-say-sources/articleshow/109273322.cms? |title=17 Indians among 25 crew on ship seized by Iran; India in touch with Iran to secure release of Indians|date=2024-04-14|access-date=2024-04-18}} the IRGC Navy boarded and seized container ship MSC Aries, claiming she was "violating maritime laws".{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-msc-aries-vessel-seized-violating-maritime-laws-2024-04-15/ |title=Iran says MSC Aries vessel seized for 'violating maritime laws'|date=2024-04-15|access-date=2024-04-18}} She was flying the ensign of Portugal.{{Cite web|url=https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-04-13/iranian-forces-seize-ship-linked-to-israeli-businessman-in-strait-of-hormuz.html|title=Iranian forces seize ship linked to Israeli businessman in Strait of Hormuz|first=Antonio Pita, Trinidad Deiros|last=Bronte|date=13 April 2024|website=EL PAÍS English}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/amp/external-affairs-defence-security/news/amid-growing-global-tension-iranian-soldiers-raid-vessel-near-oman-report-124041300376_1.html|title=Amid rising tension, Iran's troops raid Israel-linked ship near UAE: Report|first=Business|last=Standard|website=www.business-standard.com}}{{Cite web | title=Iran seizes large container ship MSC Aries in Strait of Hormuz {{!}} Seatrade Maritime | url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/iran-seizes-large-container-ship-msc-aries-strait-hormuz#:~:text=Iranian%20forces%20have%20taken%20control,and%20diverted%20it%20to%20Iran.&text=Iran's%20state%20news%20agency%20IRNA,and%20taken%20to%20Iranian%20waters. | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413193735/https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/casualty/iran-seizes-large-container-ship-msc-aries-strait-hormuz | access-date=2025-07-03 | archive-date=2024-04-13}} MSC Aries is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping Inc., an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime (ZM).{{Cite web |date=2024-04-13 |title=Iranian forces take over Israel-linked Portuguese ship MCS ARIES |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-796777 |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}} The 25 crew aboard includes 17 Indian nationals, Filipinos, Pakistanis, a Russian and an Estonian. Iran has similarly attacked vessels and seized ships amidst persistent political issues since 2019. On 3 May 2024, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian announced that captain and crew had been released, while the vessel remained held by Iran.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-says-crew-israel-linked-ship-freed-2024-05-03/ |title=Iran says crew of Israel-linked ship freed|date=2024-05-03|access-date=2024-05-03}}

On 24 April 2024, the Madeira-flagged cargo ship MSC Vera Cruz, while about {{convert|72|nmi}} southeast of Djibouti, was unsuccessfully fired upon, in tandem with U.S.-flagged container ship Maersk Yorktown, by Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who claimed responsibility.{{cite news |title=US Army says coalition vessel engaged anti-ship ballistic missile launched from Yemen |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/ambrey-is-aware-an-incident-southwest-yemens-aden-advisory-note-2024-04-24/ |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Reuters}}{{cite web |title=Houthis Target Maersk and MSC Vessels as They Vow to Renew Attacks |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/first-red-sea-explosion-reported-after-houthis-vow-to-resume-attacks |website=maritime-executive.com |publisher=The Maritime Executive |access-date=25 April 2024}}{{cite web |title=MSC VERACRUZ |url=https://www.vesseltracker.com/en/Ships/Msc-Veracruz-9287924.html |website=vesseltracker.com |publisher=Vessel Tracker |access-date=25 April 2024}}

In May 2024, the two ships MSC Gina and MSC Diego were attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. There was little damage done.

The former also had a similar incident in the previous month.{{cite web | url=https://splash247.com/two-more-msc-ships-targeted-by-the-houthis/ | title=Two more MSC ships targeted by the Houthis | date=8 May 2024 }}

In June 2024, Houthi rebels fired missiles at MSC Tavvishi and a couple of other ships, as they were sailing on the Red Sea.{{cite web |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/houthis-claim-to-have-attacked-british-destroyer-two-other-ships-off-coast-of-yemen/amp/ |title=Houthis claim to have attacked British destroyer, two other ships off coast of Yemen |work=The Times of Israel |date=9 June 2024 |access-date=11 March 2025}}

On 15 February 2025, MSC Baltic III ran aground close to the Lark Harbour shoreline along the west coast of Newfoundland after losing power in stormy weather. The 22 crew members were airlifted by Canadian Armed Forces members from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron.{{Cite news |date=Feb 15, 2025 |title=Crew rescued after cargo vessel runs aground on Newfoundland's west coast |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/lark-harbour-vessel-1.7460441}} On 25 February the Canadian Coast Guard assessment of the hull has confirmed significant breaches and there was evidence that seawater is beginning to enter the ship.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-25 |title=Stranded MSC boxship’s hull is breached, coastguard warns |url=https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1152688/Stranded-MSC-boxships-hull-is-breached-coastguard-warns |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Lloyd's List}}

On 1 March 2025, while in port at Odessa, Ukraine, MSC Levante F was targeted by two Russian Iskander-M missiles.{{Cite web |last=Knuckey |first=James |date=2025-03-03 |title=Putin launches ballistic missile to ‘sink ship carrying UK weapons' |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2021592/putin-unleashes-hypersonic-missile-blitz-ukraine |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}} The missiles missed their target and struck the bulk carrier Super Sarkas that was loading 21,000 tonnes of corn and soya. The container ship sustained minor damage, such as broken portholes, mainly from the impact of the shock wave, and left the port safely.{{Cite web |title=No damage to MSC container ship targeted by Russian attack |url=https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/security/no-damage-to-msc-container-ship-targeted-by-russian-attack |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=www.seatrade-maritime.com |language=en}}

{{Main|2025 Kerala oil spill}}

On 24 May 2025, Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3 capsized off the Kerala coast in India.{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=Cargo ship sinks near Kerala coast: What can be the impact of oil spills and how are they cleaned up? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/cargo-ship-sinks-near-kerala-coast-what-can-be-the-impact-of-oil-spills-and-how-are-they-cleaned-up-10033490/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials such as calcium carbide, and over 450 metric tonnes of marine fuel.{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2025-05-29 |title=Kerala government declares MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck a state-specific disaster |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/May/29/kerala-government-declares-msc-elsa-3-shipwreck-a-state-specific-disaster |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} All crew members were rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2025-05-25 |title=All crew members of sunken ship rescued |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/tilted-cargo-ship-off-kochi-coast-further-submerges-all-24-crew-members-rescued/article69616717.ece |access-date=2025-05-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}

File:MSC GAYANÉ (48362954402).jpg

A shipment of illicit cocaine was captured in the 2019 Philadelphia Packer Marine Terminal cocaine seizure that totalled 20 tons, with a street value of US$1.3 billion. That ship, MSC Gayane, was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection due to the scale of the smuggling. According to Bloomberg News: MSC has unwittingly become one of the top (if not the top) cocaine distribution networks into Europe. The company denied doing this intentionally, instead blaming their own employees and the drug cartels who corrupt them.{{cite news |last1=Etter |first1=Lauren |last2=Riley |first2=Michael |date=16 December 2022 |title=How a Cocaine-Smuggling Cartel Infiltrated the World’s Biggest Shipping Company |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-12-16/how-world-s-top-shipping-company-became-hub-for-drug-trafficking |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222221600/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2022-12-16/how-world-s-top-shipping-company-became-hub-for-drug-trafficking |archive-date=22 December 2022 |access-date=31 December 2024 |work=Bloomberg News |location=New York}}{{cite web |date=8 July 2019 |title=U.S. Customs and Border Protection Seizes MSC Gayane following Record Cocaine Seizure |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/us-customs-and-border-protection-seizes-msc-gayane-following-record |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616214122/https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/us-customs-and-border-protection-seizes-msc-gayane-following-record |archive-date=16 June 2024 |access-date=31 December 2024 |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |location=Washington DC}}

US and European authorities concluded that the smugglers responsible, who control more than half of the cocaine flowing into Europe, had infiltrated MSC's crews over a decade of effort. They were exploiting MSC's manpower and vessels to help build a cocaine smuggling juggernaut.{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Greg |date=15 June 2021 |title=20 tons of coke = 40+ years in prison for MSC container-ship crew |url=https://www.freightwaves.com/news/20-tons-of-coke-40-years-in-prison-for-msc-container-ship-crew |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205171403/https://www.freightwaves.com/news/20-tons-of-coke-40-years-in-prison-for-msc-container-ship-crew |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=31 December 2024 |work=Freight Waves}} “We certainly didn't see MSC as a victim in all this,” said William McSwain, former US attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who presided over the MSC Gayane case.

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