07/31/2025
The aim is to help meet the growing global demand for skilled maritime personnel.
Ningbo – MSC has officially opened its first ship management company in China. The new entity, called MSC Crewing Services (China), is headquartered in the Beilun Free Trade Zone in Ningbo, one of China’s main ports and a strategic hub for global logistics. This initiative represents a significant expansion of MSC’s operational presence in Asia , with the stated aim of strengthening crew recruitment and management directly in China. The company, founded by Gianluigi Aponte, has already announced plans to hire over 2,000 Chinese seafarers by 2026, helping to meet the growing global demand for skilled maritime personnel. MSC currently operates the world’s largest container fleet, with a total capacity exceeding 5.2 million TEUs and a market share close to 20% . In recent years, MSC has entrusted Chinese shipyards with the construction of numerous next-generation ships, including some of the largest container ships ever built, such as the MSC Tessa and the MSC Irina, each capable of carrying over 24,000 TEUs. In addition to investing in the new management company, MSC has recently signed contracts for the construction of additional ships at Chinese shipyards worth over $1.3 billion. These moves further strengthen the strategic ties between MSC and China.
This expansion aligns with broader industry trends, as the global maritime sector faces an increasing shortage of qualified seafarers. According to the *BIMCO/ICS 2021 Manpower Report*, the industry could face a deficit of nearly 90,000 officers by 2026, making MSC’s recruitment drive in China a timely solution. China, already a leader in maritime training—with institutions like Dalian Maritime University producing thousands of graduates annually—is poised to become a key supplier of skilled labor for MSC’s fleet. The company’s investment in Chinese shipyards also underscores China’s dominance in shipbuilding, accounting for over 50% of global orders in 2023. Notably, MSC’s recent contracts include LNG-ready vessels, reflecting stricter environmental regulations and the industry’s shift toward decarbonization. These efforts solidify MSC’s commitment to both operational scalability and sustainability, while reinforcing China’s pivotal role in the future of global shipping.