Report: MSC Eyeing Stake in Ignazio Messina

MSC Swiss-based container shipping major Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has revealed intentions to acquire a stake in Italian shipping company Messina, Reuters reports citing a statement from MSC. The announcement was made following a meeting between the duo on Friday in Genoa, Italy. As reported the meeting is said to have included participation from lender Banca Carige, which is expected to facilitate the reaching of the deal. The aim of the meeting was the possibility of an entry by MSC Group into the shareholding of the Genoa-based group, Reuters quoted MSC as saying in an emailed statement. Ignazio Messinas fleet consists of eight owned specialized ro-ro container vessels, in addition to some lo-lo and ro-ro vessels on charter, the companys website info shows. The dialogue between the parties is to be continued. WMN has contacted MSC for a confirmation and is yet to receive a reply on the matter. The reported move comes as major container shipping players push to consolidate their ranks as a way to combat market downturn and overcapacity. In December, Danish Maersk Line A/S, and the Oetker Group reached a deal for Maersk Line to acquire the German container shipping line Hamburg Südamerikanische Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft KG (Hamburg Süd). World Maritime News Staff