Gianluigi Aponte recognised for outstanding contribution to the cruise industry
MSC Group owner and president Gianluigi Aponte last night received the highly prestigious Cruise International Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award, accepted on Mr Aponte’s behalf by Giulio Libutti, Managing Director MSC Cruises UK and Ireland, was presented at the 2nd Cruise International Awards ceremony attended by leading industry figures.
“We are delighted to bestow upon Gianluigi Aponte this well-deserved honour,” said Liz Jarvis, editor of Cruise International. “Under his guidance MSC Cruises has become one of the world’s leading cruise companies; that it has done so in such a relatively short period of time is testament not only to Mr Aponte’s expertise, but to his extraordinary vision.”
Mr Aponte founded MSC Cruises in the late 1980s. In just over two decades he has grown his company from modest beginnings to become the world’s fourth-largest cruise operator, boasting an ultra-modern fleet of 12 ships - a thirteenth, MSC Preziosa, will be christened next March - and market-leading positions in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil.
The success of MSC Cruises is only part of a remarkable career that has spanned over 40 years and seen Mr Aponte build up a global empire that dominates in not just one shipping sector but several.
Born in Sorrento, Italy, he began his career as a captain in the family company, which operated a fleet of sailing boats on the Mediterranean. In 1970, following a few years in banking, Mr Aponte set up the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with the purchase of a single ship. Under his leadership, MSC is now the second-largest container ship operator in the world, employing more than 40,000 people and operating a fleet of 441 cargo vessels serving 306 ports across five continents.
Despite its spectacular growth, MSC is still a family-owned business and its founder remains dedicated to the company and to his family.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is the market leading cruise company in the Mediterranean , South Africa and Brazil. MSC Cruises sails throughout the year in the Mediterranean and offers a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern Europe , the Atlantic Ocean , the Caribbean , the French Antilles , South America , South and West Africa , and the Red Sea . Its modern fleet comprises twelve ships: Fantasia-class MSC Divina , MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia ; Musica-class MSC Magnifica , MSC Poesia , MSC Orchestra , and MSC Musica ; Lirica-class MSC Sinfonia , MSC Armonia , MSC Opera and MSC Lirica ; and MSC Melody . In 2013 the fleet will once again increase in size with the addition of MSC Preziosa , who will be christened in March. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both on shore and on board. MSC Cruises believes that global leadership brings increased responsibility towards the physical and human environments in which it operates. As such, a long term partnership with UNICEF was undertaken in 2009 to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. So far, MSC Cruises has raised over one million euros for the initiative.
Cruise International
Cruise International is the UK’s only consumer travel magazine dedicated to cruise holidays, helping both the cruise holiday enthusiast and first-timers alike to enjoy the best that cruising has to offer. Every issue of Cruise International magazine is packed with fascinating features and glorious photographs of exotic destinations, romantic ports and secret hideaways. Cruise International magazine is also full of useful information about life on board, plus expert advice on which ship to choose and the best time to travel.
Source: MSC Cruises
