MSC Group

MSC Group is a privately held, family-led group headquartered in Geneva. Its businesses span cargo transport and logistics, passenger services and port infrastructure, as well as road, rail and air transport and healthcare. Cruise and ferry services are part of a broader transport and logistics group.

Cargo and passenger divisions

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is the group’s central container shipping business. The group also describes logistics, intermodal transport and port operations; MEDLOG works in logistics and supply chains, while Terminal Investment Limited operates container terminals as a subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Passenger businesses include MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, alongside ferry services from SNAV and GNV and high-speed rail through Italo. These are distinct brands and businesses within the wider group. MSC Group should not be confused with MSC Cruises, which is one cruise brand in its portfolio.

How the group developed

The company traces its beginnings to Brussels in 1970, when Captain Gianluigi Aponte started with the conventional ship MV Patricia. Container shipping became its first major business as global trade and containerisation grew. The portfolio later expanded into logistics, terminals, passenger shipping and other transport services. In April 2026, the group announced that ownership had passed from Gianluigi Aponte to his children Diego and Alexa Aponte. Gianluigi Aponte retained the role of Executive Chairman.