Underscoring the aggressive expansion that has enabled Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to put significant capacity distance between itself and its nearest rival, Maersk, the shipping major has now acquired a tug firm.
This after it emerged yesterday that MSC had bought Rimorchiatori Mediterranei SpA through its liner agency unit, SAS Shipping Agencies Services Sarl.
Although the amount paid to acquire 100% of the Genoa-based business’s share capital is still under wraps at this stage, the transaction confirms the juggernaut course the line is charting.
Last week it was reported that MSC had bulked up its TEU dominance to 4.5 million, at least 200 000 boxes clear of Maersk, erstwhile leader in the global liner trade.
This came after it was reported that the Swiss carrier had added more than 1.76 million TEUs to its order book, the equivalent of the entire TEU capacity of Hapag-Lloyd.
The tug firm deal is the latest in MSC’s success story - ever since it overtook Maersk in terms of TEU capacity, a feat made possible through the steady acquisition of used vessels.
To date MSC has expanded it vessel fleet by 200 second-hand units bought in the last two years.
In addition, the line will launch an airfreight division next year, MSC Air Cargo.
Acquiring the Italian towing operator means MSC will now have a tug presence not only in Italy but also Malta, Singapore, Malaysia, Norway, Greece and Colombia, where Rimorchiatori has established itself.
