MSC Quiz: Do You Know the World's Largest Carrier?

Mediterranean Shipping Company began its journey as a small, single-ship operation before growing into one of the most dominant forces in global container shipping. Its founding year places it firmly in the early era of modern containerisation.

Mediterranean Shipping Company was built from scratch by a determined entrepreneur with deep roots in the Italian port city of Naples. His vision transformed a one-ship venture into a privately held global shipping giant spanning every major trade lane.

Every great shipping empire starts somewhere. Mediterranean Shipping Company's very first vessel, purchased in 1970, was a modest cargo ship that set the company's journey in motion. Its name carries the story of Mediterranean Shipping Company's humble beginnings.

Mediterranean Shipping Company's move into cruising began with the acquisition of a well-known passenger liner. This purchase marked a turning point for the company, signalling its ambition to expand well beyond container and cargo shipping.

Until 1994, Mediterranean Shipping Company had relied on second-hand vessels. Ordering brand-new container ships from an Italian shipyard was a defining moment, signalling the company's financial strength and long-term commitment to fleet modernisation.