Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is one of the world’s largest container shipping lines. Founded in Naples with headquarters in Geneva, MSC is present in 155 countries worldwide and operates just over 215 trade routes and calls at 500 plus ports.

In late April 2022, the maiden call of the MSC Michaela, a 6,730-TEU container vessel, was welcomed at the Port of Philadelphia’s (PhilaPort) Packer Avenue Marine Terminal. The news comes on the heels of reported exceptional first-quarter earnings for MSC. The company is private so financial information is not accessible, but if Maersk’s revenue earnings are any sign of comparison ($9.2 billion from January to March), MSC is certainly in the neighborhood.     

As part of MSC’s “Indus 2” service, Philadelphia shippers will now have direct connections to Portugal, Spain, Italy, and India. This is a welcome relief, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to heavily disrupt the greater maritime market.  

PhilaPort manages port facilities along the Delaware River. The port has been a key player in attempting to minimize COVID-related, logistical bottlenecks that have impaired global markets. Direct access The PhilaPort local terminal operator, Holt Logistics, was crucial in attracting and closing the Indus 2 service.    

Indus 2 is a comprehensive route covering India, Europe, Canada, and the US. Specifically, via ports in Mundra and Nhava Sheva, India, the service navigates through the Suez at ports in Gioia Tauro, Barcelona, Sines, Halifax, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Freeport, and Port Everglades. MSC has indicated that 2022 will be a banner year so expect more of the same from this shipping giant.