| STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN SHIPPING: THE CASE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY |
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Ana Cristina Ferreira Castela Paixão Casaca, ‘World of Shipping Portugal’, Parede, Portugal and CIMOSM - Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal.  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3925-473X |
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| SUMMARY |
| This monograph analyses the strategic evolution of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) from its origins as a single-vessel family enterprise in 1970 to its current position as the world’s largest container shipping line and one of the most influential privately controlled transport and logistics groups. The study traces the company’s development across four major phases: the early family-driven port-to-port operations (1970–1990); the period of global expansion and emergence as a worldwide liner operator (1991–2010); the era of alliances and industry consolidation (2011–2020); and the most recent phase of scale supremacy and strategic acceleration during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| Beyond fleet growth and service expansion, the monograph examines MSC’s progressive diversification across multiple maritime and logistics segments, including cruise shipping, ferry operations, short-sea and feeder services, logistics and supply chain integration, port infrastructure, maritime services, and air cargo transport. These developments are interpreted as part of a broader strategy of selective and asset-based integration designed to reinforce MSC’s maritime core while expanding its role across the global logistics system. Particular attention is devoted to MSC’s corporate philosophy and strategic DNA, which combine family ownership and governance with financial prudence, operational autonomy, a long-term investment orientation, and a strong emphasis on asset control. These characteristics are analysed through several strategic management frameworks, including the resource-based view, transaction cost economics, real options theory and dynamic capabilities. |
| The monograph also provides a comparative analysis between MSC and A.P. Møller–Maersk, highlighting two contrasting strategic archetypes within the container shipping industry: MSC’s asset-intensive maritime power model and Maersk’s service-oriented logistics integrator approach. This comparison offers insights into alternative pathways for value creation and competitive positioning in global liner shipping. |
| Drawing on MSC’s experience, the study identifies key strategic lessons on organic growth, governance structures, capital allocation, and resilience in capital-intensive, cyclical industries. It argues that MSC’s sustained success derives not from isolated strategic decisions but from the coherence and consistency of its overall strategic system. Looking ahead, the monograph suggests that MSC’s trajectory towards 2030 may involve a gradual transition from pure scale expansion to greater emphasis on network orchestration and integrated maritime logistics. Overall, MSC represents a distinctive model of strategic management in global shipping, demonstrating how autonomy, disciplined investment and long-term vision can sustain leadership in one of the world’s most complex and volatile industries. |
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| KEYWORDS |
| Mediterranean Shipping Company. Strategic Management. Container Shipping. Corporate Governance. Horizontal Diversification. Vertical Integration. Resource-Based View. Cost-Leadership. Maritime Logistics. |
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