World’s Largest Container Carrier Launches Its First Ship Management Company In China

To cement its presence in China, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has launched its first ship management company in the country on July 23, 2025.

Called the MSC Crewing Services (China) Co, Ltd, it is based in Beilun Free Trade Zone in Ningbo.

This shows China’s growing importance as a centre for not only manufacturing and maritime trade but also for green shipping and seafaring talent.

The new company will provide services from crew recruitment and training to safety operations and retrofits for ships.

Ningbo was chosen as the location for the company as it is a major maritime centre and one of the world’s busiest ports, handling more than a billion tonnes of cargo in 2024.

It has deepwater berths, modern infrastructure and connections to major economies and ports all over the world.

MSC Shipmanagement CEO Prabhat Jha spoke of the port’s strategic location and its professionalism as reasons behind the decision, along with their strong partnership with local maritime authorities.

This relationship would aid MSC in expanding its influence across the Asian continent.

However, the most remarkable dimension of this is MSC’s plan to recruit 2000 Chinese seafarers by 2026.

The investment shows MSC’s confidence in the region’s talent pool and its willingness to contribute to the long-term development of the Chinese maritime workforce.

Additionally, the company will also collaborate with the Ningbo Maritime Bureau on green shipping practices, like converting ships to dual-fuel technology and adopting environmentally friendly standards across the managed fleet.

From another perspective, this launch shows a trend wherein shipping lines are not just calling at Chinese ports but also embedding themselves within China’s maritime ecosystem.

This also highlights that while Western economies struggle with post-pandemic disruptions and tightening regulations, China is reinforcing its position as a strategic command centre for global shipping operations.

Source: Maritime Shipping News