MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has recorded stronger business growth since the spring of 2026, particularly on trades originating in Asia, following a relatively moderate start to the year, according to CEO Søren Toft.
In a business update following the third quarter, Toft described 2026 as a year of two halves, with shipping activity gaining momentum from the spring onwards, driven by stronger growth on Asian trade routes.
MSC continues to expand its global shipping operations, with its fleet now exceeding 1,000 container vessels. The company is also increasing its investment in LNG dual-fuel vessels, with the combined capacity of its LNG dual-fuel fleet expected to exceed 4 million TEU in the coming years.
The carrier is further strengthening its global network through additional shipping capacity, new services and investments in port terminals and inland logistics. Toft highlighted the development of a new terminal in Morocco as part of the company’s terminal expansion strategy.
Beyond container shipping, MSC is also expanding its car carrier operations, having placed orders for new vessels to increase its capacity in the vehicle transportation segment.
However, port congestion and geopolitical uncertainty continue to pose operational challenges for the global shipping industry. Toft noted that port congestion had become a persistent feature of the industry, requiring carriers to maintain operational flexibility and focus on service reliability.
Despite these challenges, Toft expressed confidence in the company’s performance, stating that MSC was navigating an increasingly volatile global environment with good momentum.