The handover, which took place in the final quarter of 2025 and was announced on 13 April 2026, passes control to Diego Aponte, who serves as Group President, and Alexa Aponte (also known as Alexa Aponte Vago), Group Chief Financial Officer. Gianluigi Aponte will remain as Executive Chairman to ensure a smooth transition.

Captain Aponte, who founded MSC in 1970 with a single vessel, expressed pride in the move: “Passing ownership to my children reflects their dedication and continues our family’s centuries-long maritime heritage.” The family emphasised that the change secures long-term stability and continuity for the global shipping and logistics powerhouse.

The Aponte family also controls significant ferry operations through the MSC Group. In 2010, the group acquired Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), one of Italy’s leading ferry operators specialising in passenger and freight services across the Mediterranean, including routes to Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia. GNV operates alongside SNAV as part of MSC’s ferry division, supporting the group’s broader transport portfolio.

The succession marks one of the largest family wealth transfers in the shipping industry, with MSC continuing its strong growth under the next generation of Aponte leadership.

© Shippax