Switzerland Surges to Sixth in Shipowning Rankings
Veson Nautical has unveiled its latest rankings of the world’s leading shipowning nations, and Switzerland has made a significant leap to secure the sixth position. This remarkable ascent is largely attributed to the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which is owned by the Aponte family. The Swiss fleet’s total value has surged to $83 billion, reflecting a 22% increase over the past year due to MSC’s aggressive expansion strategy.
MSC’s Fleet Expansion Fuels Switzerland’s Rise
Switzerland, a landlocked country, entered the top 10 shipowning nations last year, initially taking the ninth spot. This year, the country’s position has improved thanks to the continued investment and growth of MSC, the largest container line globally. Over the past 12 months, MSC has acquired 58 secondhand vessels and placed orders for an additional 36 ships. This rapid expansion has significantly contributed to the overall valuation of the Swiss fleet.
Gianluigi Aponte, the founder of MSC, has been at the forefront of this historic fleet expansion in the 2020s. His company has purchased more than 450 secondhand boxships and ordered over 3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in new builds. This aggressive growth strategy has not only solidified MSC’s position at the top of the global liner rankings but has also made the Aponte family the wealthiest in Switzerland. Originally from Naples, Aponte founded MSC in 1970 and is now 85 years old. His family is recognized among the top 50 on the Forbes billionaires list.
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Global Rankings Overview
In the latest rankings, China maintains its dominance as the top shipowning nation, followed by Japan in second place and Greece securing the third spot. Notably, Taiwan has entered the top 10, displacing Norway from its previous position. The Veson Nautical rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the global shipping industry and highlight the significant shifts in fleet ownership and investment strategies across nations.
As the shipping industry continues to evolve, the impact of major players like MSC will likely play a crucial role in shaping future rankings and trends. The rise of Switzerland in this competitive landscape underscores the importance of strategic investments in the maritime sector.
