by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

After the delivery of the 16,000-TEU vessel MSC Germany, Swiss-based container liner MSC hit a new milestone. The carrier became the first line to have more than 900 ships in its fleet.

MSC’s growth will not stop at this figure, as it still has over 130 ships on order. In addition, the company’s market share crossed the 20% mark, with over 6.5 million TEU in capacity.

Shipping analysts claim that the company’s investments in newbuilds, acquisitions, and vessel chartering make it the fastest-growing shipping company worldwide.

The multi-billion-dollar deal involving MSC and Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing placed MSC’s founder, Gianluigi Aponte, as one of the most powerful figures in the maritime industry this year.

A Bloomberg media report reveals that the group, which has put forward a USD 19 billion deal to purchase 43 ports from Li's CK Hutchison Holdings, is mostly funded by Aponte and his family-controlled Terminal Investment Ltd. (TiL).

Bloomberg estimates Aponte’s net worth to be around USD 25.6 billion.

With this deal, MSC establishes itself as an undisputed player in the industry, with a stake in crucial maritime focal points such as the Panama Canal.

MSC’s early history

The Aponte family's maritime history dates back to 1675. Gianluigi Aponte, born in Naples, followed his family's tradition of transporting goods and passengers.

In 1970, Aponte founded MSC by purchasing an old German ship and gradually expanded by acquiring second-hand containerships. He focused on underserved routes and competitive pricing.

In the late 1980s, Aponte ventured into the cruise industry, establishing MSC Cruises as the world's third-largest cruise brand.

MSC's profits during the pandemic enabled rapid expansion, and by 2022, it became the world's largest container carrier.

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